Book Review: The Pastor's Book by R. Kent Hughes

Many leaders in the church go through some kind of training. Some go to a Christian college and get an education for ministry while others attend seminary. While classes in ministry and Bible preaching are great things, they don't cover everything. There have been many resources available for pastors to have when they need help. Some pastors need aid when conducting a funeral, what to say in a wedding, and even how to conduct church membership classes.

While some of these resources are great and useful, some of them feel short in giving a pastor the knowledge he needs to lead a church and perform different ministry tasks. R. Kent Hughes has many years of ministry under his wings and has offered aid to those in the ministry with an exhaustive resource called, The Pastor's Book. This is probably one of the best resources I have seen when it comes to give church leaders ideas in the area of pastoral ministry.

Hughes writes about how to conduct Sunday services, funerals, weddings, and any other special services. He offers examples as to what to say and even what songs to play. Hughes continues on the purpose of public prayers, hymns , and songs. There is even a long list of song (old and new) that churches should sing because they are theologically deep and give all praise to God.

Hughes even addresses the history and purpose of creeds and what to do in pastoral counseling and hospital visitation. Sean O'Donnell edited the book but also wrote with Hughes on the issue of baptism and what to do during baptism in a worship service. Reason why two writes has to write about is Hughes is a Credo Baptist while O'Donnell is a Paedo Baptist.

I am delighted to recommend this book not just for pastors currently serving in the church, but for all Christians who desire to pastor a church one day. I recommend that elders and deacons give their pastors this book to aid them as they serve.

Thanks Crossway for letting me review this book.