Book Review: Gospel Eldership | Equipping A New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert Thune

Gospel Eldership by Robert Thune quickly rose to the top of my list during my time off last month. It was one of the most edifying books I've read this summer; helping me evaluate myself and my relationship with the Lord, my family, and those I serve. In short, it was incredibly convicting and sanctifying.

If you aspire to be an elder at your local church, lead other leaders in ministry, or are in disciple relationships with other men, then this is a book that I recommend you work through as soon as possible. During my time off, I journaled through this book as Thune assigns verses and short articles to read throughout the short chapters. The piercing of the heart, at least for me, came from the questions in light of the reading. They helped and forced me to address sin issues in my own heart that led me to confession and repentance in many areas of my life. 

It's immensely practical and a valuable tool for any team. Thune takes big topic matters and places a microscope on them to help you address how you relate to them such as frustrations in ministry, conflict and resolution, and specific questions and insights pertaining to the role of what a pastor is. Gospel Eldership is rich in theology and Thune's approach to the hearts of men in ministry through this book is wonderful and pastoral. 

There are many books that have been written on the call of elders in the church or the 10,000 foot view of what it means to be an elder and I think they're great resources. However, Robert Thune's books provides a much needed emphasis on the realities of those in pastoral ministry and for those aspiring to the call. Because it's a work-book, it's format is elaborate and specific which means you really can't skip ahead until you address each question and reading.

In the initial pages, Thune gives the reader 4 expectations when reading this book (p.6): 
• Expect to be challenged.
• Expect to be surprised.
• Expect a deeper level of community.
• Expect a deeper love for Christ and his church. 

The book delivers each one of these expectations over and over. When you walk through it, you will be challenged spiritually and emotionally; provoked to action and evaluation of your life. You will be surprised because you're being challenged! In other words, you will quickly uncover your heart condition and selfishness. And if you decide to walk through this book with others, it will definitely help to bring together a strong brotherhood (I'm excited to lead a few of my guys through this book!). And finally, because it is very clear and compelling about pastoral ministry, it will help you to understand church leadership practically.

If this quick review sounds like something you'd want to work through with your team or your boys, then I would highly encourage you to check it out: Gospel Eldership: Equipping A New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert Thune. 

Book Review: Am I Called? The Summons of Pastoral Ministry by Dave Harvey

I've decided to review this book by beginning at the end. The final chapter, While You Wait, in my opinion was biggest time of reflection for me. This is not to imply that the rest of the book was of no use, rather I think this entire book should be on the shelf of every man who believes they're being called to pastoral ministry. The final chapter is a great place to start (for review) because it brought me to a place of nostalgia and is very authentic. 

In short, Am I Called? is a book written by Pastor Dave Harvey where he gives a biblical breakdown of the qualifications for an elder as seen in 1 Timothy 3. Additionally, it's a book that provides a great deal of academic resources for further reading with complimentary real-life stories from men who have gone before us. 

REVIEW & REFLECTION

"A man listening for a call is never a man sitting still." - Dave Harvey (p. 188)

I cannot begin to stress the importance of this statement. First, I wish to begin by saying that I do not write this from a position of "arrival," but from a place of understanding, failure, and reflection from my experience in ministry. 

I believe that the Lord was calling me into pastoral ministry when I was 22 years old, just 8 months after surrendering my life to Him and hearing about Him for the first time. It was intimidating and scary bringing that up to my pastors. I had never set foot in a church much less imagine that one day I would be a pastor! 

However, during that time, I was discipled primarily by our lead pastor (Tom) and several other godly men. And if I could summarize my attitude and spirit from that season into two words, they'd be prideful and hungry. I wrestled with (and still do today) with wondering how quickly or soon God would place me in pastoral ministry not knowing or understanding that I was already involved: the set-up team. We had just planted our church and setting up chairs was the need. I never thought that serving in that capacity would help shape me. More than anything else, my pride was soaring based on my ability to potentially lead others and knowledge of the Bible. I was an observant punk. Nonetheless, serving in multiple capacities helped me to not only pursue humility, but taught me patience and that ministry was going to be a journey. For the time being, my primary role was that of repentance (1 Samuel 16:7). 

"Obscurity fertilizes man with humility so that what he grows into can really bear fruit." - Dave Harvey (p.194)

I have been involved in the set-up team, security team, teaching in our children's ministry, social media and event coordination, kitchen and bathroom clean-up, hospitality, and many other areas of ministry that I simply had no clue what I was doing. All of the sudden, the confidence I had was quickly diminished by several 8 year olds. The truth is that when I look back at all of these experiences and "random" areas of ministry that I served in, I would not want it any different. Each one of those areas helped teach me my strengths and gifting while others showed me where I was lacking and that I wasn't pursuing humility. 

I recommend this book because it is not only filled with biblical wisdom and insight from Pastor Dave to the call of pastoral ministry, but it provides readers with the realities of waiting- something that's quickly overlooked. Aspiring to a noble task is not the issue, rather it is the heart of man that falls short. 

"The ultimate test of a called man is whether he desires the advancement of the Gospel more than the advancement of his own ministry"- Dave Harvey

If you believe that the Lord is calling you to pastoral ministry then I encourage you to pick up this book. I would also encourage you to read 1 Timothy 3:1-7 over and over again and ask yourself the following questions: 

Am I this man? | What areas do I lack in after reading this passage? | Would I still strive to be this man even if I do not become a pastor?