HOW TO BE A CHURCH MINISTER
By Nigel G. Wright
Bible Reading Fellowship. 190 pages. £10.99
ISBN 978 0 857 466 891
Nigel Wright taught theology for many years at Spurgeon’s College, was Principal for 13 years and now is Principal Emeritus.
The book has an Introduction which sets out what will be covered, and an Epilogue encouraging ministers to finish well. In between there are 14 short chapters, each tackling a different aspect of the work and life of the minister.
From a man of such ministerial experience it is no surprise to find that there is a great deal that is really helpful in this book. There is a delightful blend of theological insight and practical tips for ministry. Also helpful was the balanced way in which different denominational emphases were explained.
Questions raised
I suspect, however, that for some the book will raise questions. For example, Christians now differ widely on whether the New Testament teaches ‘a call to ministry’ in the way Wright expounds. I wasn’t convinced that the raising up of Saul as King of Israel is a model of how God brings people into ministry now. I also thought that the book was confusing about what ministry is. I felt that we weren’t engaged enough in what the Bible says about ‘ministry’ and ‘church leadership’. Instead there was an assumption that the way things are done in our modern Western context is how things should be.
People thinking about ministry, or already in full-time work, will find much that is stimulating in this book. My suggestion would be to read the book and reflect on what are the actual timeless principles that the Bible teaches and what is the considered advice of a godly Christian leader.
