God's Man: A Pastor's Handbook

by Paul D. LeFavor

Overview

C. S. Lewis once observed, “there are theologians in the bottom of hell who were more interested in their own thoughts about God than in God himself.” It was for this reason, Lewis counseled, that a “dogmatician” should also preach regularly. Lewis’ pithy observation underscores an immensely important point in the life of any preacher: One’s walk with the Lord Jesus must not only be genuine, it must be vibrant. This is especially true for men who have consecrated themselves to the task of leading the Lord’s people as an under shepherd – pastor. Preparing for the ministry begins by applying God’s Word to oneself (1 Tim 4:16).

Moreover, men who serve as pastors in the church should be gifted to that end, and above all, they must have a mind for truth and a heart for God. In other words, above all other qualifications, a man must be born again and have received God’s call and gifts to serve as pastor (Jn 3:3; Eph 4:11).

In addition to all expected godly characteristics, a pastor must possess thick skin, as potential “slights” abound. Simply, a pastor requires the wisdom of Solomon, the prudence of Jethro, the patience of Job, and the hide of a rhinoceros. Moreover, these qualities must be undergirded by the humility and love of Christ. Possessing these and having a mind for truth and love for God and mankind, a pastor must be truly called and know it, God gifted, and motivated to serve as Christ’s undershepherd. That is quite a lot! What this therefore brings to mind is a pastor is a man who understands God’s grace and is in ready need of it.

A pastor is also to be a theologian, as theology is the study of God as well as the application of His Word to all areas of life. This is essentially the purpose for this pastor’s handbook, to provide a simple resource to encapsulate the most important truths of our common salvation, to equip pastors for the work of ministering the Word. For assuredly, what the Church most desperately needs to recover is sound biblical teaching and preaching that is deliberately Trinitarian, highly Christocentric, and urgently evangelistic. It is my prayer that this book represents a prescription for the Church’s present need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781732968134
Publisher:	Blacksmith Publishing
Publication date:	12/25/2019
Pages:	290
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.65(d)

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Part One: God’s Man

Chapter

1 – The Shepherd of Israel

2 – The Undershepherd

Part Two: Seven Core Doctrines

3 – The Doctrine of Holy Scripture

4 – The Doctrine of God

5 – The Doctrine of Man

6 – The Doctrine of Christ and the Holy Spirit

7 – The Doctrine of Salvation

8 – The Doctrine of the Church

9 – The Doctrine of the Last Things

Part Three: Seven Core Duties

10 – Worship

11 – Leadership

12 – Disciple-Making

13 – Evangelism

14 – Preach and Teach

15 – Counseling

16 – Protecting the Flock

Part Four: Seven Core Directives

17 – Corporate Worship

18 – Sermons

19 – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

20 – Dedication

21 – Ordination

22 – Weddings

23 – Funerals

Part Five: Pastoral Resources

24 – Creeds and Confessions

25 – Principles of Biblical Interpretation