Daniel Donford is a new pastor: excited, filled with bright dreams, anticipating a big future for him and his new church, Broadfield Community Church. However opposition and obstacles lie just ahead, and both may end his journey into pastoral ministry before it has really begun. But Dan has an Uncle Eldon, if anyone can see Dan through his trials and disasters, Eldon can. The wisdom he offers, via a series of emails, might just be enough to see Dan transformed into the mature, selfless, loving pastor God wants him to be.
Endorsements
"This heartwarming (and at times heart-wrenching) story of the downs and ups of ministry and church life offers the kind of practical and godly wisdom that will help pastors (and those they shepherd) towards a realistic appreciation of what really matters as we serve Christ and his people."
John Woodhouse Retired Principal and Lecturer in Doctrine and Old Testament, Moore College, Sydney, Australia
I think this was one of the most true to life books I have read on being a new minister. Incredibly helpful.
Martin, Northern Ireland
"Convicting, compelling and ultimately uplifting; this insightful probing of the realities of pastoral ministry will make you smile, lead you to pray, and encourage you to persevere."
Colin S. Smith Senior Pastor, The Orchard, Arlington Heights, Illinois and President, Unlocking the Bible
"This is a book that ought to be read not only by everyone in, or preparing for, pastoral ministry; but also by every church member who wants an insight into the ups and downs of their pastor's life. It highlights central principles of ministry, is full of good advice for a multiplicity of difficult pastoral situations, warns of temptations and snares as well as sharing with us the happier occasions of ministry, and all in the highly readable style of a series of email exchanges. Read it and discover why 'Everyone needs an Eldon."
As a new trainee minister, I have found lots of struggles adjusting from a life as a corporate banker. Christians are not always easy to work with and there are plenty of areas we need to accept need changing in ourselves.
This book is honest and brilliant! I feel really excited that all situations can be resolved in God and that he will work all situations to the good of his people.
Great Book, great help!
Mike Williams
"I could scarcely put this book down as I relived the pitfalls and missteps of the early days of pastoral ministry, but then the glories of wisdom, perseverance, and hope that gradually emerges. No matter what your pastoral setting, this book will help you get - or stay - on the paths of righteousness."
Greg Scharf Chair of the Pastoral Theology Department and Professor of Pastoral Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois
"I plan to commend this book to our students here at Beeson Divinity School and to pastors everywhere who are called to the burdensome joy of shepherding the flock of God."
Timothy George Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
"In this earthy and attractive page-turner of a book, we are exposed to the whole fascinating range of church Life and Christian ministry, joys, scandals and all'
Richard Bewes OBE (1939 – 2019), formerly of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, England
Tim Cooper lives with his wife Kate and their four sons in Dunedin, New Zealand. He is Senior Lecturer in the History of Christianity in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Otago. Before taking up this post he was the pastor of LifeSwitch, a church in the Hutt Valley on the outskirts of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
Kelvin Gardiner has pastored churches in New Zealand, the Philippines and the US. For ten years he led a ministry leadership organization overseeing one hundred US churches and providing pastoral support for overseas mission teams. He and his wife Jill currently offer pastoral care for mission agencies in Asia and Europe.
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