Synopsis
As we begin the
third millennium, David Fisher encourages pastors to become effective in
ministry by first finding their identity in Christ.
From
the Publisher
The third
millennium. Its a time of tremendous opportunity for the church - and
tremendous challenge. More than ever, pastors need a model for ministry
that can equip them for the rigors of a restless, increasingly
secularized culture. In The 21st Century Pastor, David Fisher explores
the apostle Paul's concept of ministry to offer a paradigm that is both
biblical and relevant. Paul's view is fleshed out with examples from
Fisher's own twenty-five years of pastoral experience, presenting a
roadmap for today's pastor that is scholarly, practical, dynamic, and
inspiring. The 21st Century Pastor first addresses crucial issues of
pastoral identity, the significance of geography, time and ecclesiology.
It then explores Paul's metaphors for ministry (jars of clay, farmers
and builders, servants and stewards, and others) to reveal an accurate
portrait of an effective, biblical pastor - the kind who will speak to
the heart of modern culture rather than languish on its fringes. Filling
the rare role of a pastor to pastors, Fisher's sage insights help
pastors answer their own identity questions, empowering them to minister
to a deeply needy society. Says Fisher, "Pastors who know what time
it is will, in the name and power of God, create communities of faith
where the values of the Gospel are embraced, taught, and lived
out."
Table
of Contents
|
Introduction: Welcome to the Ministry |
7 |
| 1 |
Who Am I? The Question of Pastoral Identity |
15 |
| 2 |
What's My Address? The Significance of Geography |
30 |
| 3 |
What Time Is It? The Question of Date |
48 |
| 4 |
Whose Church Is This? The Question of Ecclesiology |
70 |
| 5 |
Christ's Prisoners: The Pastor's Call |
91 |
| 6 |
Jars of Clay: The Pastor's Burden |
114 |
| 7 |
God's Penmen: The Pastor's Impact |
141 |
| 8 |
Both Father and Mother: The Pastor's Heart |
159 |
| 9 |
Farmers and Builders: Growing Christ's Church |
174 |
| 10 |
Servants and Stewards: The Power of Pastoral
Integrity |
204 |
| 11 |
Ambassador and Preacher: The Pastor's Authority |
229 |
|
Notes |
249 |
|
