When The Word Leads Your Pastoral Search: A Book Review

When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search: Biblical Principles & Practices To Guide Your Search by Chris Brauns

Year: 2011

Publisher: Moody

Pages: 192

Recommended Reading: Yes

Scripture Index: No

Subject Index: No

As I am currently serving on a pastoral search committee this could not have been a more timely book to read. This book was very helpful with a great balance of biblical insight and practical advice on implementing it. The book examines what a biblical pastor will look like and how a search committee can seek the man who fits the role.  A large emphasis of the book is on seeking a pastor that is a strong preacher and preaches the word of God. It is especially helpful in helping those who read it understand what a biblical sermon will look like. It gives some objective standards by which to judge a sermon preventing subjective evaluations by the search committee.  The author argues for the superiority of exposisitory preaching. By this he means making the point of the text the point of your sermon, but shows also how this should be done correctly and not boringly.

In this book you also find very practical advice all along the way showing you mistakes to avoid and how to proceed in a helpful manner.  The reader will also be pleased with the suggested interview questions and tips to help interview candidates. Also included is a very helpful frequently asked questions section that helps clarify some of what the author has written earlier and expands on it.  This is a great place to start for anyone on a pastoral search committee. You may not agree with every suggestion the author makes but overall the book is extremely practical and helpful.  I would recommend it to any church in transition between pastors.

WtsBooks: $7.94

 

I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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