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The Pastoral
The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction
Any pastor who needs and wants to get back to basics will do well to absorb this book. Eugene Peterson, well known as "a pastor's pastor," here speaks words of wisdom and refreshment for pastors caught in the busyness of preaching, teaching, and "running the church."
In The Contemplative Pastor Peterson highlights the often-overlooked essentials of ministry, first by redefining the meaning of pastor through three strengthening adjectives: unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic . The main part of the book focuses on pastoral ministry and spiritual direction "between Sundays": these chapters begin with poetic reflections on the Beatitudes and then discuss such themes as curing souls, praying with eyes open, the language of prayer, the ministry of small talk, and sabbatical--all with engaging, illustrative anecdotes from Peterson's own experience.
The book ends with several meaning-full poems that pivot on the incarnation, the doctrine closest to pastoral work. Entitled "The Word Made Fresh," this concluding section is a felicitous finale to Peterson's discerning, down-to-earth reflections on the art of pastoring.
In The Contemplative Pastor Peterson highlights the often-overlooked essentials of ministry, first by redefining the meaning of pastor through three strengthening adjectives: unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic . The main part of the book focuses on pastoral ministry and spiritual direction "between Sundays": these chapters begin with poetic reflections on the Beatitudes and then discuss such themes as curing souls, praying with eyes open, the language of prayer, the ministry of small talk, and sabbatical--all with engaging, illustrative anecdotes from Peterson's own experience.
The book ends with several meaning-full poems that pivot on the incarnation, the doctrine closest to pastoral work. Entitled "The Word Made Fresh," this concluding section is a felicitous finale to Peterson's discerning, down-to-earth reflections on the art of pastoring.
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
301 people are currently reading
1944 people want to read
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
432 books984 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
February 4, 2022
Why was I not assigned this book in seminary?
Some books are like water, necessary for our health, but flavorless and colorless.
Some are like pop or juice, full of empty calories.
Some are like coffee, motivating, even invigorating, but with a bitter aftertaste.
But this book is like that good wine on that ordinary wedding day in Cana;
it is a gift of grace: rich, sweet, and strong, comforting, challenging, and stirring.
Every pastor should read this book, internalize its message, and contemplate the layers and textures of Peterson's words.
The new pastor, the driven pastor, the weary pastor, the confident pastor, and the doubting pastor . . .
every pastor should read this book.
Some books are like water, necessary for our health, but flavorless and colorless.
Some are like pop or juice, full of empty calories.
Some are like coffee, motivating, even invigorating, but with a bitter aftertaste.
But this book is like that good wine on that ordinary wedding day in Cana;
it is a gift of grace: rich, sweet, and strong, comforting, challenging, and stirring.
Every pastor should read this book, internalize its message, and contemplate the layers and textures of Peterson's words.
The new pastor, the driven pastor, the weary pastor, the confident pastor, and the doubting pastor . . .
every pastor should read this book.
October 19, 2015
There are few writers I enjoy more than Eugene Peterson. His love for God, for people, and for language routinely meet on the pages of his books. His work should be tasted and savored, but I find it difficult not to binge on his writings. Not surprisingly, Peterson exploring "the Art of Spiritual Direction" in The Contemplative Pastor (1989) was a book that I had a hard time setting down.
The Contemplative Pastor is broken into three sections. In the first, "Redefinitions," Peterson explored three descriptors for a pastor: unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic. I was recently moved by his description of the "unbusy pastor" in his later memoir The Pastor and had some familiarity with the idea of the apocalyptic pastor. Briefly, in Peterson's thoughts, pastors should be characterized by settledness, margin, and patience, working without frenzy in the day to day life of the church and of the world.
The second section--the longest--is called "Between Sundays". Peterson meaningfully argues that much, if not most, of the work of the pastor takes place from Monday to Saturday. The nine chapters here are built around the beatitudes with an eye toward soul care. Each chapter begins with a poem and then moves into the realities of spiritual direction, exploring themes such as creation, prayer, language, small talk, and suffering.
The final, albeit too brief, final section contains a number of poems about the incarnation. Peterson asked, "is it not significant that the biblical prophets and psalmists were all poets?" To answer his rhetorical question, yes, I believe it is significant. Words matter.Words convey truth, but they also convey beauty.
Like his previous works The Contemplative Pastor by Peterson is a joy to read, whether or not you are a pastor.
The Contemplative Pastor is broken into three sections. In the first, "Redefinitions," Peterson explored three descriptors for a pastor: unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic. I was recently moved by his description of the "unbusy pastor" in his later memoir The Pastor and had some familiarity with the idea of the apocalyptic pastor. Briefly, in Peterson's thoughts, pastors should be characterized by settledness, margin, and patience, working without frenzy in the day to day life of the church and of the world.
The second section--the longest--is called "Between Sundays". Peterson meaningfully argues that much, if not most, of the work of the pastor takes place from Monday to Saturday. The nine chapters here are built around the beatitudes with an eye toward soul care. Each chapter begins with a poem and then moves into the realities of spiritual direction, exploring themes such as creation, prayer, language, small talk, and suffering.
The final, albeit too brief, final section contains a number of poems about the incarnation. Peterson asked, "is it not significant that the biblical prophets and psalmists were all poets?" To answer his rhetorical question, yes, I believe it is significant. Words matter.Words convey truth, but they also convey beauty.
Like his previous works The Contemplative Pastor by Peterson is a joy to read, whether or not you are a pastor.
October 19, 2023
I think everyone who is a believer should read the 6 page chapter on the ministry of small talk. That chapter and Matt Howell’s seminar on small talk (which he based on this chapter) have greatly impacted how I relate to people and how I think evangelism should be approached.
I also think everyone who is wanting to go into ministry should read this book to learn more about what a life of ministry looks like.
I also think everyone who is wanting to go into ministry should read this book to learn more about what a life of ministry looks like.
July 6, 2022
Second time reading this one. It gets better every time. I don't think I'm aware of anyone who captures the nature of pastoral work better than Eugene Peterson. He continually challenges me to laugh at myself but to take God, his Word, and his people very seriously.
August 28, 2024
A little bit of crazy theology, but as my second Peterson book, I found his insights on pastoring so, so helpful. We discussed this book with a group of pastor friends, and there are so many extra highlights I got from them, too.
I loved several points, including an overarching idea of just getting in on what GOD is doing in people's lives rather than trying to CREATE the spiritual changes in people. It's a good distinction and so freeing.
His emphasis on a calmer approach rather than the chaotic is great. More to say, but if you're a pastor, it's a good read.
I loved several points, including an overarching idea of just getting in on what GOD is doing in people's lives rather than trying to CREATE the spiritual changes in people. It's a good distinction and so freeing.
His emphasis on a calmer approach rather than the chaotic is great. More to say, but if you're a pastor, it's a good read.
November 27, 2024
A vital resource for pastors, had me thinking and reflecting - a lot.
December 13, 2020
I loved this book, especially his distinction between running a church and the cure of souls. This is a great read for any pastor, especially with all of the temptation to run churches like a business.
January 2, 2024
First read of the year WOOH! Actually a 2023/2024 read since I started after Christmas, but also a book for class this semester.
Eugene Peterson sounds like a delightful pastor to learn under as a disciple of Jesus. I throughly enjoyed this book, and the pace in which his writing encourages the reader to engage with his work and the world.
Peterson deeply reveres the call to love and lead the people of God, and is not afraid to critique the forms of pastoral leadership that have shaped congregations, particularly in the United States. His writing is refreshing and encouraging, all with the hope of seeing the body of Christ and those given the gift of pastoral leadership to be further formed into the person of Jesus.
There are a lot of practical reflections and suggestions for those in ministerial jobs, but there is also just some good theology sprinkled throughout this book that I think would do us good to learn from as the modern American church.
A few chapters went over my head, probably due to my own unwillingness to read them slowly, and lack of experience being a pastor haha, but in all I really enjoyed this read.
ALSO the last section is Peterson’s personal reflections about poetry and how it can and should inform the faith journey, and he includes a selection of poems about the Incarnatjon, all of which are beautiful.
Eugene Peterson sounds like a delightful pastor to learn under as a disciple of Jesus. I throughly enjoyed this book, and the pace in which his writing encourages the reader to engage with his work and the world.
Peterson deeply reveres the call to love and lead the people of God, and is not afraid to critique the forms of pastoral leadership that have shaped congregations, particularly in the United States. His writing is refreshing and encouraging, all with the hope of seeing the body of Christ and those given the gift of pastoral leadership to be further formed into the person of Jesus.
There are a lot of practical reflections and suggestions for those in ministerial jobs, but there is also just some good theology sprinkled throughout this book that I think would do us good to learn from as the modern American church.
A few chapters went over my head, probably due to my own unwillingness to read them slowly, and lack of experience being a pastor haha, but in all I really enjoyed this read.
ALSO the last section is Peterson’s personal reflections about poetry and how it can and should inform the faith journey, and he includes a selection of poems about the Incarnatjon, all of which are beautiful.
June 11, 2025
I just love Eugene Peterson’s writing. Stunning reflections on the role of a pastor, that applies and extends far beyond that role to anyone who shepherds and cares for others. Anyone in ministry, any parent, any teacher or coach should read this book!
We desperately need this call and exhortation to shepherd with humility, patience, creativity, and so much prayer!
“St. John was patient, teaching the Christians in his seven-less-than-promising congregations to be patient. But it is an apocalyptic patience—not acquiescence to boredom, not doormat submissiveness. It is giant sequoia patience that scorns the reduction of a glorious gospel to fast-food religion…We acquire, with St. John and his congregations, fidelity to place and people, the faithful endurance that is respectful to the complexities of living a moral, spiritual, and liturgical life before the mysteries of God in the mess of history.” (58)
We desperately need this call and exhortation to shepherd with humility, patience, creativity, and so much prayer!
“St. John was patient, teaching the Christians in his seven-less-than-promising congregations to be patient. But it is an apocalyptic patience—not acquiescence to boredom, not doormat submissiveness. It is giant sequoia patience that scorns the reduction of a glorious gospel to fast-food religion…We acquire, with St. John and his congregations, fidelity to place and people, the faithful endurance that is respectful to the complexities of living a moral, spiritual, and liturgical life before the mysteries of God in the mess of history.” (58)
August 16, 2023
There were a lot of good thoughts and perspective with shepherding your own heart and seeking a healthy emotional state within vocational ministry. I think Eugene Peterson is a brilliant writer that conveys his heart for the gospel and emotional health very clearly
October 16, 2023
Refreshing and centering perspective.
“Why are pastors experts on The Truth and dropouts on The Way?”
“Isn’t it odd that pastors, who are responsible for interpreting Scriptures, so much of which come in the form of poetry, have so little interest in poetry?”
Peterson raises great questions that everyone in ministry should be asking about the rhythms and busy schedules that have become normalized in ministry settings.
When describing the “busy pastor, he says “… the word busy is the symptom - not of commitment, but of betrayal. It is not devotion, but defection.”
He affirms the need for a slower, simpler, un-busied and more contemplative way of approaching pastoral work, and he frames the role in helpful analogies than emphasize this.
“Why are pastors experts on The Truth and dropouts on The Way?”
“Isn’t it odd that pastors, who are responsible for interpreting Scriptures, so much of which come in the form of poetry, have so little interest in poetry?”
Peterson raises great questions that everyone in ministry should be asking about the rhythms and busy schedules that have become normalized in ministry settings.
When describing the “busy pastor, he says “… the word busy is the symptom - not of commitment, but of betrayal. It is not devotion, but defection.”
He affirms the need for a slower, simpler, un-busied and more contemplative way of approaching pastoral work, and he frames the role in helpful analogies than emphasize this.
August 28, 2023
There are a few things I don't love about this book: Peterson seems to get lost in his creative thoughts at times and can meander off of the designated path more than most. Frankly, the poetry doesn't do much for me either (though that is probably more of a "me" issue, to be fair).
...but the thing is, between all of that is the quintessential pastor's heart with an phenomenal ability to cut through the nonsense of contemporary church leadership and call us to a better, more Christlike way of serving our congregations. There were a few sections that hit me like a ton of bricks, and I suspect will likely change the trajectory of my future ministry - it was that significant.
This was required reading for my studies; I believe it should be required reading for anyone in pastoral ministry!
...but the thing is, between all of that is the quintessential pastor's heart with an phenomenal ability to cut through the nonsense of contemporary church leadership and call us to a better, more Christlike way of serving our congregations. There were a few sections that hit me like a ton of bricks, and I suspect will likely change the trajectory of my future ministry - it was that significant.
This was required reading for my studies; I believe it should be required reading for anyone in pastoral ministry!
August 8, 2021
This book is the foundation on which I will base my philosophy of ministry. In many ways, Peterson develops and clarifies themes that I have already intuitively been drawn to. He gives language to the stirrings in my soul. I plan on returning to this year after year to learn from the wisdom it contains.
February 14, 2024
would probably be 4 or 5 stars if i was Smarter or Holier
January 27, 2024
Not only is this a book about pastoring; it is a book that challenges how the pastoral life should take shape. Peterson is scriptural, philosophical, and practical. Now that I have completed it, I expect to return to my highlights immediately. I will return to this book as a whole many times, I hope.
December 14, 2023
Such an amazing book. Full of amazing insights, beautiful poetry, and sincerity that I have not found in a long while.
January 31, 2013
This afternoon, I picked up "The Contemplative Pastor" by Eugene Peterson and decided to sponge the rest of the way through it...absorbing as much of his pastoral wisdom as possible. For the sake of brevity here, I simply want to call attention to one chapter which is begging to be immediately applied to my ministry with college students and young adults. The chapter is entitled "The Ministry of Small Talk" and Peterson describes this idea as a pastoral art.
Perhaps the reason this chapter feels so pertinent to me is because I was just sitting in my office near the University of Cincinnati "counseling" with a student (some would call it discipling, mentoring, coaching, encouraging, talking, etc) and kept feeling internal pressure to steer the conversation towards more substantial topics. There are many occasions in similar scenarios with students that I am trying to "pastor" and influence in which I have left the conversation/meeting disappointed because we didn't talk about the BIG spiritual topics. Peterson cautions: "If we bully people into talking on our terms, if we manipulate them into responding to our agenda, we do not take them seriously where they are in the ordinary and the everyday."
In another section he implies that we can inadvertently communicate to those in our pastoral care that the mundane world in which they live 90% of the time is sub-spiritual. That creates a very unhealthy compartmentalization of life into spiritual and non-spiritual categories. This encouragement to embrace the pastoral art of listening and valuing the common ordinary stuff of students' lives ( in my case) is exactly what I needed to hear and read this week. Small talk is a big deal when you're trying to listen to and love people well!
Perhaps the reason this chapter feels so pertinent to me is because I was just sitting in my office near the University of Cincinnati "counseling" with a student (some would call it discipling, mentoring, coaching, encouraging, talking, etc) and kept feeling internal pressure to steer the conversation towards more substantial topics. There are many occasions in similar scenarios with students that I am trying to "pastor" and influence in which I have left the conversation/meeting disappointed because we didn't talk about the BIG spiritual topics. Peterson cautions: "If we bully people into talking on our terms, if we manipulate them into responding to our agenda, we do not take them seriously where they are in the ordinary and the everyday."
In another section he implies that we can inadvertently communicate to those in our pastoral care that the mundane world in which they live 90% of the time is sub-spiritual. That creates a very unhealthy compartmentalization of life into spiritual and non-spiritual categories. This encouragement to embrace the pastoral art of listening and valuing the common ordinary stuff of students' lives ( in my case) is exactly what I needed to hear and read this week. Small talk is a big deal when you're trying to listen to and love people well!
December 26, 2024
This was a very mixed bag. The book as a whole isn’t entirely focused, and Peterson’s writing tends to be unnecessarily verbose. It felt a bit pompous at times, but perhaps I’m just not in full-agreement with the Reformed emphasis on the pastorate.
Some of the early chapters, such as “The Unbusy Pastor,” were fine. I like what he said about tending to your schedule / “appointment calendar.”
“Praying with Eyes Open” was overlong and unfocused. The bulk of the 20-page-long chapter consists of Peterson recapping an Annie Dillard book, but his main point is quite difficult to locate.
I liked the chapter “First Language,” but I felt it was actually too short, and the concept of the “language” of intimacy and relationship, namely in prayer, could’ve been expanded on.
The chapter “Is Growth a Decision?” was well-written and thought-provoking, my true nugget of gold located within the river of this book. I wish more of the book was like that chapter!
The next chapter, “The Ministry of Small Talk,” was interesting, and the chapter after that, “Unwell in a New Way,” was thoroughly engaging for the first half but tapered off a bit in the last half.
Finally, the book ended on a true high note with “Desert and Harvest: A Sabbatical Story,” Peterson’s simple, well-written, and thoughtful account of his year-long sabbatical from the pastorate. I genuinely enjoyed that chapter.
While I struggled to enjoy this book as a whole, I thoroughly appreciated chapters 9 and 13, and found a few lines/paragraphs that I enjoyed in some of the others chapters.
5/10
Some of the early chapters, such as “The Unbusy Pastor,” were fine. I like what he said about tending to your schedule / “appointment calendar.”
“Praying with Eyes Open” was overlong and unfocused. The bulk of the 20-page-long chapter consists of Peterson recapping an Annie Dillard book, but his main point is quite difficult to locate.
I liked the chapter “First Language,” but I felt it was actually too short, and the concept of the “language” of intimacy and relationship, namely in prayer, could’ve been expanded on.
The chapter “Is Growth a Decision?” was well-written and thought-provoking, my true nugget of gold located within the river of this book. I wish more of the book was like that chapter!
The next chapter, “The Ministry of Small Talk,” was interesting, and the chapter after that, “Unwell in a New Way,” was thoroughly engaging for the first half but tapered off a bit in the last half.
Finally, the book ended on a true high note with “Desert and Harvest: A Sabbatical Story,” Peterson’s simple, well-written, and thoughtful account of his year-long sabbatical from the pastorate. I genuinely enjoyed that chapter.
While I struggled to enjoy this book as a whole, I thoroughly appreciated chapters 9 and 13, and found a few lines/paragraphs that I enjoyed in some of the others chapters.
5/10
December 18, 2019
Eugene Peterson's writing is so interesting. Sometimes he reads like an old man who is rambling. Nice words, but nothing to get excited about. However, sometimes he provides insight that is so piercing, so powerful, so penetrating, that you feel that either heaven itself has opened up or our souls themselves have been carefully sliced open and exposed. He is brutally honest, introspective, and articulate. This is a short book and even with its ups and downs, is very accessible.
March 1, 2017
Eugene Peterson was a solo pastor of a small church for over 2 decades. So that makes him someone who I admire. Faithful plodders are my kind of pastors. Give me someone who sticks to it no matter how hard it gets over someone who hits the ministry scene with a splash only to shrivel because of their lack of faithfulness to God.
I find a lot of helpfulness in this pastor's wisdom. Did I like everything? Nah, but who has ever found someone that they completely agree with? This book made me think and ponder, and that makes it valuable to me and any other pastor in this world.
The value of this book is in how Peterson distills the pastoral ministry to its most potent essentials. So, if you as a pastor wants a book that makes you think, helps you simplify, and blesses your SOUL, give this book a read. If you read it, you'll also know why I wrote SOUL in all caps.
I find a lot of helpfulness in this pastor's wisdom. Did I like everything? Nah, but who has ever found someone that they completely agree with? This book made me think and ponder, and that makes it valuable to me and any other pastor in this world.
The value of this book is in how Peterson distills the pastoral ministry to its most potent essentials. So, if you as a pastor wants a book that makes you think, helps you simplify, and blesses your SOUL, give this book a read. If you read it, you'll also know why I wrote SOUL in all caps.
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December 17, 2015Excellent. Convicting and quietly encouraging. Vintage Peterson. The cure of souls rather than the job of running a church…
What it looks like to contextualize the gospel to the particular forms of spiritual adolescence we've settled into here in the West…
How praying and teaching people to pray is the pastor's primary work, despite what the latest flurry of business-minded ministry books might claim…
The middle voice that is the language of prayer—neither controlling nor passive, but responding actively to God's always-prior action…
What it looks like to contextualize the gospel to the particular forms of spiritual adolescence we've settled into here in the West…
How praying and teaching people to pray is the pastor's primary work, despite what the latest flurry of business-minded ministry books might claim…
The middle voice that is the language of prayer—neither controlling nor passive, but responding actively to God's always-prior action…
May 2, 2025
Third time through this thoughtful, counter-cultural book on pastoral ministry. Also read in 2003 and 2010. Having now been in pastoral ministry for over two decades and currently leading a larger congregation, the book hit somewhat differently. Good. Needed.
June 11, 2023
Reading this just re-sparked something in me. The focus Peterson has on what it is to be a pastor, and one who is effective in the eyes of God was wonderful and I highly recommend this book to anyone in pastoral ministry.
The idea that a pastor should be apocalyptic particularly stood out, and put’s everything into context of our mission on earth and the love of our God.
“If we have even an inkling of apocalypse, it will be impossible to act like the jaunty foreman of a home-improvement work crew that is going to re-landscape moral (or immoral) garden spots. We must pray. The world has been invaded by God, and it is with God we have to do…Apocalypse opens up the chasm of reality. The reality is God: worship or flee.”
I won’t put any more of the book in this review, but the whole chapter, “Lashed to the mast” is also a must read.
Will probably be a book I revisit.
The idea that a pastor should be apocalyptic particularly stood out, and put’s everything into context of our mission on earth and the love of our God.
“If we have even an inkling of apocalypse, it will be impossible to act like the jaunty foreman of a home-improvement work crew that is going to re-landscape moral (or immoral) garden spots. We must pray. The world has been invaded by God, and it is with God we have to do…Apocalypse opens up the chasm of reality. The reality is God: worship or flee.”
I won’t put any more of the book in this review, but the whole chapter, “Lashed to the mast” is also a must read.
Will probably be a book I revisit.
October 2, 2019
A four-star Peterson book is still better than the best books by almost anyone else. This one has a little bit looser setup/writing style that I just didn't enjoy as much.
In many of Peterson's books, he uses poetry to help explain a point. I have always enjoyed this, and it has made me gain an appreciation for it. In this book he writes his own, but it's not quite as good.
But there is a lot of stuff here I enjoyed, especially on our role in the world ("the harpooner").
In many of Peterson's books, he uses poetry to help explain a point. I have always enjoyed this, and it has made me gain an appreciation for it. In this book he writes his own, but it's not quite as good.
But there is a lot of stuff here I enjoyed, especially on our role in the world ("the harpooner").
November 24, 2019
This book on the pastoral vocation predates Peterson's theological series or his autobiography and covers some of the same material. There are also similarities to his "Working the Angles." Peterson has written often on these themes in a variety of circumstances. In this book he focuses on language and on the difference between how the world sees the Pastor's job versus our responsibility it to God. He ends with a chapter on his Sabbatical and an appreciation of poetry.
January 1, 2020
Eugene Peterson is one of a handful of writers whose works consistently connects with my soul. The way that happens for me is through disorientation. Peterson helps me see something familiar as new, strange, or as mystery once again. He has become a pastoral mentor and spoken to my heart as a pastor more than anyone else. I highly recommend this work especially to pastors and vocational church workers. I’ll be returning to this one often.
February 22, 2021
I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. Peterson offers a lot of wisdom and insight as a seasoned pastor. All of section 1 and the chapter on the "Cure of Souls" is worth the price of the book. The rest has helpful insight for ministry but I find Peterson's writing style to be maddening at times. It's a personal issue but I think he belabor his illustrations at times.
January 22, 2025
Beautifully written! Peterson has a poetic flare in his work which is enjoyable to read. There is much that is thought provoking regarding pastoral ministry, particularly his description of the the pastor as "unbusy." Although at at times he wanders more into mystical practices of spirituality, his emphasis on prayer, the place of Scripture, and the work of God through ordinary means of grace are important antidotes against the mere pursuit of numbers or tangible results that can drive pastoral ministry today. Well worth reading and chewing on.
July 6, 2022
Really enjoyed this book overall. Peterson had such a good grasp on certain aspects of pastoral ministry. I encourage pastors to overlook some of their theological differences with Peterson to glean the great content found in here.
February 9, 2024
Great book! I really enjoyed Peterson's writing style. He's the John Mark Comer of 40 years ago.
A lot of thought provoking chapters on the role of the pastor and whether the congregation is dictating your schedule and you are in charge of your own schedule. The pastor needs to devote his best time to the work of studying the Bible and to prayer.
His chapter on the "Unbusy pastor" was his best. He argues that a busy pastor is a disgrace to the job. Pastors should be more concerned about being present with people rather than hurrying off to as many meetings he can fit into one day.
I would have given this book a 5 star rating, but there was one chapter I had no idea what he was writing about.
A lot of thought provoking chapters on the role of the pastor and whether the congregation is dictating your schedule and you are in charge of your own schedule. The pastor needs to devote his best time to the work of studying the Bible and to prayer.
His chapter on the "Unbusy pastor" was his best. He argues that a busy pastor is a disgrace to the job. Pastors should be more concerned about being present with people rather than hurrying off to as many meetings he can fit into one day.
I would have given this book a 5 star rating, but there was one chapter I had no idea what he was writing about.
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