Summary
Aimed at nurturing the emerging Pentecostal clergy of the twenty-first century, The Pentecostal Pastor is a compilation of articles covering a wide variety of topics related to pastoral ministry in the contemporary Pentecostal context. Written by Pentecostal pastors, college presidents, and denominational leaders, each of the seventy-three contributors discuss practical pastoral theology through the lens of their own experiences in the field of Pentecostal leadership. Intended for current pastors or students preparing for ministry within the Assemblies of God or other Pentecostal denominations, the book is a valuable resource that addresses many aspects of Pentecostal ministry.
Following an introduction by Thomas Trask, the former general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, the book is divided into six units of study. Unit one explores the priorities in the pastor’s life and covers issues concerning the pastoral marriage, devotional life, time management, sermon preparation, and personal accountability. Additionally, a series of articles examines how a pastor should relate to a new church, other pastors in the community, and the previous pastor of the church. Building on unit one, unit two analyzes the pastor’s personal life and candidly discusses some of the unique struggles currently facing pastors. Handling stress, financial pressures, physical and emotional health, and sexual ethics are some of the topics addressed. Entitled, “Preparing for Revival, unit three analyzes the practical and spiritual functions of ministry in the Pentecostal context. The authors in this section concentrate on issues related to developing a mission and vision, igniting and pastoring a revival, mobilizing people for ministry, and incorporating effective methods of evangelizing the local community. Addressing administrative matters, unit four focuses on working with church boards, leading congregational business meetings, understanding the legal system, managing conflict, and overseeing the organizational functions of the local church. Unit five, entitled “Ministry to the Body,” is concerned with developing healthy working relationships in the ministry. Church growth strategies, team building, staff cohesion, and senior pastor and pastoral staff relationships comprise some of the themes in this chapter. The final unit attends to matters related to the Pentecostal service and addresses the function and flow of the Holy Spirit, the importance of the Pentecostal distinctives, the role of music, and the development of Spirit-led preaching, worship, and altar services.
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