Church Matters: Seasons in a Pastor's Life Paperback – June 11, 2024

Certain challenges and opportunities seem to follow specific seasons in a pastor’s life. Aspiring pastors wonder how to manage their ambition for ministry against the character qualifications found in Scripture. New pastors question whether the ordinary means of grace are enough to be successful. On the other side of ministry, mature pastors may wonder whether they are still the right man for the job. After all, they have served their church for ten, twenty, or even thirty years—maybe it’s time for a new voice. Retired pastors contemplate how their ministry came and went so fast. This issue of Church Matters considers each season of pastoral ministry with the aim to encourage pastors to be faithful. After all, your job description, pastor, is to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you” knowing that “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:2a, 4b).9Marks exists to help pastors build healthy churches. We create resources and host events focused on expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Learn more at 9Marks.org.Table of ContentsEditor's Note by Jonathan LeemanAt the Starting Blocks: PreparationJoin a Church and Follow a Faithful Pastor by Joshua ChatmanElder Before You Elder by Zack DiPrimaAttend to Your Character by Garrett ConnerListen to Others More Than Yourself: The External Call by V. Samuel ClintocBalance Patience and Ambition by Billy DaltonYou Aspire, but Are You Willing? by Raymond JohnsonCandidate Wisely and Honestly by Branton BurlesonAfter the Gun: First Five YearsFind a Mentor! by Cheston PickardBe a Strong and Courageous Young Leader by Clint DarstPatience! Pick Your Battles Wisely by Jeramie RinneLoving Your Family While Leading God's Church by Liam GarvieTake Heart: Preaching to Encourage by Tiago OliveiraYoung Pastor, Care for the Older Members of Your Flock by Dave KiehnMake the Main Thing the Main Thing on Sundays by Bret CapranicaCreating Healthy Membership Practices by John DeedrickUnique Temptations for a New Pastor by Brian ParksOver the Long Haul: The Middle YearsPrepare for Unexpected Storms by Josh ManleyRaise up Leaders by John FolmarPersevere in the Highs and Lows by Clift BarnesEvery Week I Preach My Guts out and . . . Nothing Changes by David KingWork Hard and Stay Hungry by Juan SanchezPassing the Baton: Transitioning to the Next GuyHow to Decide When It's Time to Stay or Go by Phil NewtonWhy Is It Hard for Pastors to Let Go? by Sandy WillsonPlan Your Transition by Michael IndorfPreparing a Church for Pastoral Transition by William Spink, Jr.Support the Next Guy by Doug Van MeterHow Should I Serve My Church after I Stop Being Its Senior Pastor? by Bob JohnsonFinishing the RaceSix Lessons I Learned When I Could Not Pastor by John EricksonLearn to Rest by Wes PastorPastor, Remember Where Your Identity Is Found Before You Retire by Phil NewtonBrothers, Train Up the Next Generation by Mike BullmoreAnticipating Your Reward by Omar Johnson Read more