Your Shepherd is an Endangered Species – Book Review
By: HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman (1996)
ISBN 1-56476-585-7
Book Price: $ 8.36
Development of the pastoral ministry
HB London, Jr. is Vice President of Outreach / Pastoral Ministries at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. He has also been a church pastor for thirty-one years. Neil B. Wiseman is Professor of Pastoral Development at Nazarene Bible College. He has been a pastor for over twenty years and another twenty years in pastoral support!
About your pastor
London and Wiseman pump ideas into nine chapters. They express the following, shepherds under fire (Ch. 1), what pastors wish congregations knew about ministry (Ch. 3), seven habits of the pillars of the church highly effective (Ch. 7), creating a self-image healthy in the congregation (Ch. 8), the bill of rights of a pastor (ch. 9).
Addressing the issues pastors face
HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman connect with their audience through an informative style, using research data, citations, and a variety of evidence to back up their claims. They say: “Today’s pastors face crises unknown to any other occupational group … Credibility has dropped. Suspicions have risen … dysfunctional people … leaders have less time …”
HB and Neil focus on current trends to support their case, indicating that “The consumer mentality seeping into the church is driving some pastors crazy with fear. An estimated 80 percent of all profits church membership in a recent year was a result of people leaving one church and joining another. “
The authors ask questions to focus readers on topics such as, “Why does the church need pastors … To edify the body … expand our knowledge of the Son … facilitate our maturity … encourage our growth … church … built … “
London and Wiseman provide solutions to the problems cited in the first chapters, exhorting, “Try to protect your pastor from criticism … Try to duplicate your claim of your pastor … commit to fixing what can be fixed .. Second positive – the hand claim will be reported in a church gossip line almost as quickly as a negative report … “
With great insight, HB and Neil tackle the number one problem pastors face. They explain: “Church rumors generally center on the pastor and his loved ones … In vine discussions, accuracy is generally compromised …”
Pressures Pastors Face Today
HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman reveal with precision and supporting facts, the pressures pastors face today.