Few enough are the books written today, that focus on the task of preparing for ministry. Even rarer are books on a biblical approach to ordination. David W. Hegg has given us just such a book with Appointed to Preach: Assessing a Call to Ministry.
Hegg follows the lead of Richard Baxter, Charles Spurgeon and other wise pastors of the past in actually discouraging men from entering the ministry: "A strong case can be made that we presently have too many men in pastoral ministry; too many who have taken the mantle of leadership upon themselves without having been selected and formed by God for that purpose." (pg. 23) Hegg raises the bar for pastoral ministry and recovers the lost art of a thorough ordination process.
The book defends a careful ordination process as a biblical norm, and then explains how that process works itself out in real life scenarios. Stuffed with practical tips, experiential wisdom and helpful advice -- this book is sure to be a blessing to countless churches and would-be pastors.
For ordering information, and more information about this book, view the book detail page at Christian Focus. You can also preview the book's Table of Contents, and Prologue.
About the Author:
David W. Hegg has been in pastoral ministry for 20 years and lives in Santa Clarita, California with his wife Cherylyn. He pastors Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, and is an adjunct professor at The Master's College. He blogs at www.heggthought.com.
See Hegg's author profile here at Christian Focus BookNotes for more info.
Praise for Appointed to Preach:
“Here is a unique and timely book... David Hegg has done great service to the church by tackling this matter with biblical clarity and warm pastoral concern... The ease with which it is possible to read this book belies the depth of insight which it contains. As you read it you will want to pause often, turning to he various passages of Scripture and taking time to think through the implications of these most vital truths.” ~ Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
“Whether you are considering the pastorate, are already a pastor, or are leading pastors, the benefits of David's work will far outweigh the brief investment of time it takes to read it.” ~ Steve Highfill, District Superintendent, Southwest District, Evangelical Free Church of America
“David Hegg's book, Appointed to Preach, is a book long overdue. It should be in the hands of every person seeking ordination as well as local church leaders and denominational ordination councils.”
~ Don Smith, Christ Community Church, Laguna HIlls, California