This book should probably be on every baptist pastors shelf because it fulfills a massive need. One of the problems for baptists is that we can ignore our traditions history. This book gives not just a theology of what pastoring means, but particularly how the baptist tradition views pastoral ministry.

The author takes pains to show the origin and why baptists do things the particular way we do. He manages to handle baptist disagreement well. He points out where those differences are and what drives them. He makes an effort to include a diverse amount of voices. He also never tries to speak for all baptists. He makes clear his own baptist vision, but presents differing opinions with respect.

His chapter on ordination was probably my favorite and the most interesting. It also set the stage for the rest of the book. He repeatedly would have to circle back to baptist views on ordination and how that impacted each part of what being a pastor means.

I found the book encouraging and helpful. Baptists might have a younger tradition, but there is a lot of beauty and much to be proud of. I was amazed to find out old some ways that baptist view ministry truly are.

Baptist clergy should absolutely read this. I think even some lay baptist folks would enjoy the work as well. It is clearly geared towards those in ministry, but there is a lot of fruit to be found.