Table of Contents
Pagebreaks of the print version
Guide
Praise for On Pastoring
My friend H. B. Charles Jr. has done it again. Just like his last book, On Preaching, his new work, On Pastoring, is chock-full of pastoral insight and ministry application. I encourage every pastor to read it and, as you do, prepare to be blessed.
JASON K. ALLEN
President of the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
John Newton once remarked that none but he who made the world can make a minister of the gospel. Only God can call a true minister, and only He can grant the minister the gifts necessary for service. Indeed, pastoral ministry is difficult work that demands spiritual maturity and doctrinal fidelity. For several decades, H. B. Charles Jr. has modeled just the type of faithful and biblically based ministry that Scripture commends. I am thankful he now allows us to benefit from his pastoral wisdom and experience in his book On Pastoring. Whether you are a young pastor or a seasoned preacher, this book is worth both your time and your careful attention.
R. ALBERT MOHLER JR.
President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
In every generation, God raises up a few choice servants to provide leadership to thousands of other leaders. H. B. Charles Jr. is one of these choice servants and his newest book proves it! On Pastoring equips you not only for ministry, but also for life. If you want to deepen your walk and sharpen your leadership skills, then read this book and immerse yourself in its principles.
RONNIE FLOYD
President, Southern Baptist Convention, and Senior Pastor, Cross Church, Northwest AR
H. B. Charles Jr. hits a home run with On Pastoring. Here is the nitty-gritty truth about what it means be a God-called shepherd of a local church. Pastor Charles loves the Lord and loves His people. His chapter on Leaving a Godly Legacy could change your life. If you are a pastor, you need this book. If you arent a pastor, buy a copy for your pastor. You will both be blessed.
RAY PRITCHARD
President of Keep Believing Ministries and author of An Anchor for the Soul, Stealth Attack, and Why Did This Happen to Me?
I have the unique privilege of pastoring just down the street from my good friend H. B. Charles Jr. His preaching, pastoring, and presence have had a tremendous impact on his church and the city. He combines the rare traits of an expositional preacher with a genuine pastors heart. Pastors young and old will gain new insights and benefit greatly from what will become a classic.
MAC BRUNSON
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
Pastor Charles has done it again. This is a must-read book for all pastors. I was convicted and challenged by the practical principles related to pastoral leadership as outlined in this book.
KARRY WESLEY
Senior Pastor, Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
H. B. Charles Jr. is a tremendous preacher, but it would be tragic if thats all you knew about this gifted man. He also has an amazing grasp on the work of pastoral ministry. In his book, On Pastoring, he engages in the unique task of being a pastor with wisdom, clarity, and transparency that is both refreshing and inspiring. The lessons at the end are worth the price of the book alone. This book is a must-read for all pastors and anyone aspiring to this noble work.
BRIAN CROFT
Senior Pastor, Auburndale Baptist Church, Louisville, KY, and founder, Practical Shepherding
From a pastors pen, H. B. Charles Jr. speaks to a pastors heart. This book invites anyone who has a calling to lead Gods people to drink from a deep well of wisdom that was dug out of the rich experiences and insights of one who has a desire to see pastors glorify God.
MAURICE WATSON
Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Largo, MD
On Pastoring is a very thoughtful, helpful, and practical book. I like the broad covering and applicatory concerns that shine throughout it all. Pastor H. B. Charles Jr. has done an incredible job of sharing important objective principles and blending them with personal subjective experiences.
KEELAN A. ATKINSON
Pastor, Word Fellowship Reformed Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC
H. B. Charles Jr. is one of the finest up-and-coming pastors in our nation and has written a book on pastoring that shows just why. This book is immensely practical, purposeful, and plentiful in giving sage advice from a young pastor that can still teach older pastors new tricks! This is one of those books that should be on every pastors bookshelf.
JAMES MERRITT
Pastor of Cross Pointe Church, Duluth GA, and host of worldwide TV ministry Touching Lives
It is safe to conclude that todays pastor serves and leads on strange soil. As a young pastor, I wrestle with the inevitable encroachment of pop culture upon our pews. And worse, its insidious infringement has reached the pulpit. The pastorate is dangerous. Its perils understated, and its victims renowned. We need help. In On Pastoring, H. B. Charles Jr. has made accessible the oft-ignored wisdom for a faithful pastorate. Read it and live.
CHARLIE DATES
Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago, IL
2016 by
H. B. CHARLES JR.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Edited by Matthew Boffey
Interior Design: Ragont Design
Cover Design: Erik M. Peterson
Cover image of church icon set copyright by Prixel Creative / Lightstock (255476). All rights reserved.
Author photo: Derrick Wilson
All websites listed herein are accurate at the time of publication but may change in the future or cease to exist. The listing of website references and resources does not imply publisher endorsement of the sites entire contents. Groups and organizations are listed for informational purposes, and listing does not imply publisher endorsement of their activities.
Portions of this book are adapted from articles previously posted online.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Charles, H. B., author.
Title: On pastoring : a short guide to living, leading, and ministering as a pastor : / H.B. Charles, Jr.
Description: Chicago : Moody Publishers, 2016. | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016011936 (print) | LCCN 2016012691 (ebook) | ISBN 9780802414601 | ISBN 9780802494511 ()
Subjects: LCSH: Pastoral theology.
Classification: LCC BV4011.3 .C43 2016 (print) | LCC BV4011.3 (ebook) | DDC 253--dc23
LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2016011936
We hope you enjoy this book from Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought-provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges. For more information on other books and products written and produced from a biblical perspective, go to www.moodypublishers.com or write to: