The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read

Timothy Keller

I was delighted that Christopher Ash’s new book unpacks the overlooked exhortation of Hebrews 13 v 17, namely, that it is the responsibility of the sheep to make the shepherd's work a joy and not a burden. Christopher lays out seven ways to do so. I know of no other book like this—it is a "charge to the congregation" that is more specific and practical than anything else you will find in print.

Michael Reeves

Too many pastors today are discouraged, isolated, and weary, and it shows in the alarming rate of drop-out from pastoral ministry. In this book, Christopher Ash has pooled his extensive experience and wisdom to produce a book that could help make a real difference. If church members and leadership teams can read this book, we could help more pastors persevere and thrive in their ministry to us.

This book will help you obey one of the most overlooked New Testament commands

This book will help you have the mindset of Christ which swaps the question, How is my pastor meeting my needs? for, How could I better serve my pastor?... continue reading

“Practical guidance”

I got this when I was feeling guilty about feeling discontent with my pastor and found it helpful - it's short, accessible and full of practical ideas. It also made me realise the burden of being a pastor and empathise more with church leadership. I'm planning to share it with others in my church.

“Encouraging, Real, Necessary”

This book was so up-lifting.
Christopher Ash is in a unique position to be able to express so many of the things that all those in ministry wish they could say without sounding selfish.
It was encouraging to read the very real accounts at the beginning of each chapter, showing how those in leadership are real people contending for the faith with many of the same struggles as those in their care.
The chapters are then filled with practical and helpful advice in how to uphold those leading us in their faith as God guides them to help us in ours.
This book is a necessary read for any church member!

“excellent book worth every penny”

A very good book, easy to read, and one every member of every congregation should read.

“So helpful”

Even as the wife of a vicar who knows how the job can consume life, and how the actions of church members can have such a big impact, this was a wonderful explanation of how every church member has a part to play in encouraging their church leaders and keeping them going. If everyone took the ideas in this book on board, who knows what the body of Christ could achieve!

“Practical and helpful”

I think this book does a wonderful job of 'humanising' the pastor. Few ministers put themselves on a pedestal, but sometimes we do. Even if we keep our perspective straight, we may still not actually treat them like what they should be - a human being like the rest of us, needing friends, accountability, encouragement, prayer, challenging, building up. For church elders and members, I would recommend reading this book alongside another of Christopher Ash's brilliant contributions, 'Zeal without Burnout'; both paint a picture of some of the challenges (and potentially, the loneliness) that can face those in full-time ministry, and offer a wealth of simple advice to help us care for each other. Both books are easy to read, concise and warm.

“Very useful”

As a retired pastor I found this particularly interesting. I think my present church is pretty good at looking after our pastor but I know many that are not!

“A book to make a difference”

Here is a book that really does have the potential to change churches for the better. Concisely written, realistic and clearly thought through, Christopher Ash focuses on the practical things that ordinary church members can do to improve their Pastor's effectiveness and happiness, and make him more able to fulfill his calling. I shall certainly share it with friends at church, and I suggest it could very usefully become the basis for a small group discussion outline or a DVD led discussion series, along the lines of 'Six Steps to Loving Your Church'. Publishers - please have a think about that.

“Compulsory reading for all church members”

A challenging little book that should be compulsory reading for all church members. Whilst the examples were, at times, rather stereotyped, the lessons were painfully accurate. I realise that I don't pray often enough for our clergy. We expect them to be loving and tolerant towards us even when we treat them with disrespect. We reviewed this book in a service (whilst the vicar is on sabbatical!) encouraging everyone to read it!

“Excellent”

I read it in 3 hours. I couldn’t put it down. It is now making the rounds around the church members. For some it will be a reminder of what they know and for others it will be eye opening!