Blog Latest Posts

Blog Recommended Resources for Pastors

Recommended Resources for Pastors

PastorsRecommendedREadingList_BlogHeader

Truth For Life recommends the following assortment of books, series, and articles for pastors, church leaders, and others who teach the Bible. This carefully selected collection covers topics such as Christ-centered preaching, successfully leading a congregation, the dynamics of effective preaching, the importance of personal devotion to God, theological challenges, and family life.

Books Audio Series Articles

OnBeingAPastor_BookCover

 

On Being a Pastor
by Derek Prime and Alistair Begg available from Moody Publishers

On Being a Pastor is an essential book written to help pastors fulfill the demanding nature of ministry. A pastor’s responsibilities are unique,…

(more)

On Being a Pastor is an essential book written to help pastors fulfill the demanding nature of ministry. A pastor’s responsibilities are unique, requiring that he nurture his own spiritual life as well as that of the people in his care. Derek Prime and Alistair Begg provide sound advice for both the spiritual and practical aspects of this high calling and delve deep into topics including prayer, devotional habits, preaching, and specific ministry duties.

Preaching_the_Whole_Bible_as_Christian_Scripture

 

Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching
by Graeme Goldsworthy available from Eerdmans

Here’s help for pastors, teachers, students, or anyone who struggles to preach meaningfully from the Old Testament. Goldsworthy’s practical handbook…

(more)

Here’s help for pastors, teachers, students, or anyone who struggles to preach meaningfully from the Old Testament. Goldsworthy’s practical handbook draws out Christ-centered themes from various types of biblical literature, highlights their individual strengths for expository preaching, and demonstrates how to apply them effectively in sermons that focus on the person and work of Jesus.

Book_Confessing_the_Faith

 

Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith
by Chad Van Dixhoorn available from Banner of Truth

In Confessing the Faith, Chad Van Dixhoorn offers a fresh look at the Westminster Confession of Faith. This accessible, biblical, and thoughtful work…

(more)

In Confessing the Faith, Chad Van Dixhoorn offers a fresh look at the Westminster Confession of Faith. This accessible, biblical, and thoughtful work digests years of study and teaching into bite-sized sections. Confessing the Faith is historical and practical in its focus. It deliberately presents readers with more than another survey of Reformed theology; it offers a guide to a particular text, considers its original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession.

The_Pastor_as_Scholar__the_Scholar_as_Pastor

 

The Pastor as Scholar and the Scholar as Pastor: Reflections on Life and Ministry
by John Piper and D. A. Carson available from Crossway

This is a refreshing and liberating book, especially for any pastor who takes scholarship seriously. For pastors who have grown weary of scholarship…

(more)

This is a refreshing and liberating book, especially for any pastor who takes scholarship seriously. For pastors who have grown weary of scholarship and have pushed the hard work of exegesis to the margins of their ministry, this book will be a challenging yet helpful antidote that will benefit not only the pastor but also the people he is called to shepherd.

PreachingForGodsGlory_BookCover

 

Preaching for God’s Glory
by Alistair Begg available from Crossway

Much of what emanates from modern pulpits would not be recognized by history’s great preachers as being Bible-based. Recognizing the need for a…

(more)

Much of what emanates from modern pulpits would not be recognized by history’s great preachers as being Bible-based. Recognizing the need for a return to biblical preaching, this booklet by Alistair Begg defines biblical preaching and how to accomplish it. What are the distinctive characteristics of biblical preaching, and what is its importance in the life of a church?

Awakening

 

Awakening: The Life and Ministry of Robert Murray McCheyne
by David Robertson available from Christian Focus

Through the use of published sermons, private papers, and historical material, this contemporary devotional biography traces McCheyne’s life and…

(more)

Through the use of published sermons, private papers, and historical material, this contemporary devotional biography traces McCheyne’s life and influence from his upbringing, conversion, and training for the ministry to the revival that occurred in St. Peter’s in 1839 and, ultimately, his early death. The contemporary relevance of McCheyne for today’s church is demonstrated and the glory of God is seen in this wonderful story of what He can do with one “consecrated sinner.”

thesonofgodandthenewcreation Small

 

The Son of God and the New Creation
by Graeme Goldsworthy available from Crossway

The Son of God and the New Creation is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In this volume,…

(more)

The Son of God and the New Creation is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In this volume, renowned Bible scholar Graeme Goldsworthy traces the theme of divine sonship from Adam through the nation of Israel and King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The_Gospel_as_Center

 

The Gospel as Center: Renewing Our Faith and Reforming Our Ministry Practices
by Timothy Keller and D. A. Carson available from Crossway

Edited by Timothy Keller and D. A. Carson, The Gospel as Center aims to put to paper in one volume a Gospel-centered understanding of a few key…

(more)

Edited by Timothy Keller and D. A. Carson, The Gospel as Center aims to put to paper in one volume a Gospel-centered understanding of a few key biblical themes. It devotes individual chapters to issues including epistemology, hermeneutics, creation, fall, redemption, justification, and new creation.

Preaching_and_Preachers

 

Preaching and Preachers
by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones available from Zondervan

Dr. Lloyd-Jones covers the topic of preaching in a systematic and comprehensive manner. He sets up his arguments on solid biblical ground and…

(more)

Dr. Lloyd-Jones covers the topic of preaching in a systematic and comprehensive manner. He sets up his arguments on solid biblical ground and illustrates them with appropriate real-life examples. Fervent love for God and long experience are stamped on every page.

Reading_the_Bible_Supernaturally

 

Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture
by John Piper available from Crossway

John Piper reveals how God works through His written Word when the natural act of reading the Bible is undertaken. Ultimately, Piper shows that in…

(more)

John Piper reveals how God works through His written Word when the natural act of reading the Bible is undertaken. Ultimately, Piper shows that in the seemingly ordinary act of reading the Bible, something miraculous happens: readers are given eyes to behold the glory of the living God.

The_Pastors_Book

 

The Pastor’s Book: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry
by R. Kent Hughes and Doug O’Donnell available from Crossway

Designed as a reference guide for nearly every situation a pastor will face, this comprehensive book by seasoned pastors Kent Hughes and Doug…

(more)

Designed as a reference guide for nearly every situation a pastor will face, this comprehensive book by seasoned pastors Kent Hughes and Doug O’Donnell is packed full of biblical wisdom and practical guidance related to the reality of pastoral ministry in the trenches. From officiating weddings to conducting funerals to visiting the sick, The Pastor’s Book will equip pastors and church leaders with the knowledge they need to effectively minister to their flocks both within the walls of the church and beyond.

Seven_Leaders_Preachers_and_Pastors

 

Seven Leaders: Pastors and Teachers
by Iain H. Murray available from Banner of Truth

Spiritual leaders lead people to heaven. Here in Seven Leaders are accounts of seven such men, together with the distinctive features of their…

(more)

Spiritual leaders lead people to heaven. Here in Seven Leaders are accounts of seven such men, together with the distinctive features of their lives—in John Elias, the necessity of the power of the Holy Spirit; in Andrew Bonar, the reality of communion with Christ; in Archie Brown, the irresistibility of love; in Kenneth MacRae, the need for faithfulness to death; in Martyn Lloyd-Jones, theology and doctrine; in W. J. Grier, passing on the “sacred deposit”; and in John MacArthur, the governing authority of the Word of God.

The_Priority_of_Preaching

 

The Priority of Preaching
by Christopher Ash available from Christian Focus

Author Christopher Ash argues for preaching that “grips” the hearts of the hearers. He points out four themes: the reality of God, the stubbornness…

(more)

Author Christopher Ash argues for preaching that “grips” the hearts of the hearers. He points out four themes: the reality of God, the stubbornness of people, the urgency of faith, and the wonder of grace. These four things should cause the preacher to passionately and confidently proclaim God’s Word to His people.

Book_Family_Life_Christian_Leader

 

The Family Life of a Christian Leader
by Ajith Fernando available from Crossway

Anyone involved in Christian ministry knows how challenging it is to balance ministry and family responsibilities. Writing from decades of counseling…

(more)

Anyone involved in Christian ministry knows how challenging it is to balance ministry and family responsibilities. Writing from decades of counseling and personal experience, Ajith Fernando points Christian leaders back to the most important aspect of their lives: their relationship with God. He then offers practical guidance for responding to real-life situations in the home, including disciplining children, dealing with disappointment, loving one’s spouse, and pursuing joy. This book presents Christian leaders with a healthy and God-centered understanding of family that leads to a flourishing home.

Zeal_Without_Burnout

 

Zeal without Burnout
by Christopher Ash available from The Good Book Company

Thousands of people leave Christian ministry every month. They’ve not lost their love for Christ or their desire to serve him, but for one reason or…

(more)

Thousands of people leave Christian ministry every month. They’ve not lost their love for Christ or their desire to serve him, but for one reason or another, they’re exhausted and simply cannot carry on. Christopher Ash knows this experience all too well, having found himself on the edge of burnout a number of times. His wisdom has been distilled into this short, accessible book, in which he reveals a neglected biblical truth and seven keys that flow from it.

Devoted_to_God

 

Devoted to God: Blueprints for Sanctification
by Sinclair B. Ferguson available from Banner of Truth

Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds. In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters, Sinclair B. Ferguson’s Devoted to God works…

(more)

Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds. In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters, Sinclair B. Ferguson’s Devoted to God works out this principle in detail. It provides what he describes as “blueprints for sanctification”—an orderly exposition of central New Testament passages on holiness. Devoted to God builds a strong and reliable structural framework for practical Christian living, stressing the foundational importance of fundamental issues such as union with Christ, the rhythms of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the role of God’s law.

Book_Roots_Let_OT_Speak

 

Roots: Let the Old Testament Speak
by Alec Motyer available from Christian Focus

A lifelong lover of the Old Testament, Alec Motyer searches its text with the conviction that Jesus is the fulfilment of the all that is foretold. A…

(more)

A lifelong lover of the Old Testament, Alec Motyer searches its text with the conviction that Jesus is the fulfilment of the all that is foretold. A comprehensive survey of the Old Testament organized around its authors and major characters, this book reveals how the Holy Spirit chose, fashioned, and equipped the biblical authors to convey distinctive truths through their writings.

Coming_Home

 

Coming Home: Essays on the New Heaven and New Earth
by D. A. Carson and C. Jeffrey Robinson Sr. available from Crossway

In Coming Home, a team of eight leading Bible teachers offers a vision of the new heaven and new earth in a way that doesn’t just impact a view of…

(more)

In Coming Home, a team of eight leading Bible teachers offers a vision of the new heaven and new earth in a way that doesn’t just impact a view of the future but also changes how we live today. These eight essays will stir up a longing for our future home as we eagerly await Jesus’ glorious return.

Book_The_Whole_Christ

 

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance
by Sinclair B. Ferguson available from Crossway

Since the days of the early church, Christians have struggled to understand the relationship between two seemingly contradictory concepts in the…

(more)

Since the days of the early church, Christians have struggled to understand the relationship between two seemingly contradictory concepts in the Bible: law and Gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, the law cannot save, what can it do? Is it merely an ancient relic from Old Testament Israel to be discarded? Or is it still valuable for Christians today? Helping modern Christians think through this complex issue, seasoned pastor and theologian Sinclair B. Ferguson carefully leads readers to rediscover an eighteenth-century debate that sheds light on this present-day doctrinal conundrum.

Lectures_to_My_Students

 

Lectures to My Students
by Charles Spurgeon available from Hendrickson Publishers

This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon’s great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate the prolific preacher’s…

(more)

This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon’s great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate the prolific preacher’s combination of discerning wit and refreshingly practical advice.

Lectures to My Students contains the substance of Spurgeon’s regular Friday afternoon addresses to college students. This complete and unabridged edition contains all the lectures in the original first and second series, including “The Minister’s Self-Watch,” “The Preacher’s Private Prayer,” “The Minister’s Fainting Fits,” “The Holy Spirit in Connection with our Ministry,” “The Need of Decision for the Truth,” and “On Conversion as Our Aim.” Also included is a third series of lectures, originally published as The Art of Illustration, which focuses on the nature, use, and sources of illustrations and anecdotes in preaching.

Book_Lordship_of_Christ

 

The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, in All of Life, with All of Our Heart
by Vern S. Poythress available from Crossway

The Bible has a radical, earthshaking message about Jesus Christ. It says that He is not merely a human being, not merely a famous religious teacher,…

(more)

The Bible has a radical, earthshaking message about Jesus Christ. It says that He is not merely a human being, not merely a famous religious teacher, but the Lord of the universe. The truth of this message has profound implications for every sphere of life, including religion, politics, science, art, education, and even our understanding of the future. Covering each of these topics at societal and individual levels, Poythress unpacks what it means to serve Christ as an expression of gratitude by people who have been saved by grace. Helping readers grow in the knowledge of Jesus as not just their Savior but also their Lord, this book reveals the joy that is found in serving Him with a full heart.


PastorsStudy

 

The Pastor’s Study: Eight-Volume Series
by Alistair Begg

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that “the work of preaching is the highest and the greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be…

(more)

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that “the work of preaching is the highest and the greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.” Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: as a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In The Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.

Timothy

 

A Study in 2 Timothy: Four Volume Set
by Alistair Begg

Knowing that the end of his life and ministry were near, the apostle Paul wrote the last of his Pastoral Epistles to Timothy. In it, Paul reminded…

(more)

Knowing that the end of his life and ministry were near, the apostle Paul wrote the last of his Pastoral Epistles to Timothy. In it, Paul reminded the younger pastor of the necessity of passing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on to future generations of believers, even amid growing hostility toward it. His words remind us that faithful ministry and biblical preaching are indispensable in every age.

basics2019

 

Basics 2019: A Conference for Pastors
by Alistair Begg, Andy Gemmill, and Rico Tice

Now in its third decade, the annual Basics Conference is devoted to equipping men serving as pastors and Christian workers to do the basics of…

(more)

Now in its third decade, the annual Basics Conference is devoted to equipping men serving as pastors and Christian workers to do the basics of Christian ministry well. As 2019’s conference reminds us, this work begins with our fulfillment of Jesus’ final charge to his first followers: “Go … and make disciples of all nations.” The role of the pastor involves much, from teaching and preaching to marrying and burying. At its core, though, ministry is about discipleship, and for the Christian ministry leader, few titles should matter more than that of “disciple maker.”

TheBasicsOfPastoralMinistry_Volume01

 

The Basics of Pastoral Ministry, Volume 1: On Being a Pastor
by Alistair Begg

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the…

(more)

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the Bible’s teachings on the nature of pastoring itself. What does a God-given ministry look like? How do elders help in shepherding God’s people? How can church leaders communicate a Gospel vision to their congregations? The answers can be found right in the pages of the very Scripture that God tasks us with opening and proclaiming. Study along with Alistair, and discover them anew.

TheBasicsOfPastoralMinistry_Volume02

 

The Basics of Pastoral Ministry, Volume 2: Character Matters
by Alistair Begg

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the…

(more)

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the Bible’s teachings on the pastor’s character. How does a pastor’s personal walk with Christ impact his ministry? What personal traits should pastors cultivate? How should ministry leaders respond their own inevitable weaknesses? The answers can be found right in the pages of the very Scripture that God tasks us with opening and proclaiming. Study along with Alistair, and discover them anew.

TheBasicsOfPastoralMinistry_Volume03

 

The Basics of Pastoral Ministry, Volume 3: Preaching God’s Word
by Alistair Begg

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the…

(more)

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the Bible’s teachings on the fundamentals of preaching. Why must all preaching be grounded in God’s Word? Does the cross have to remain central? And how are hearers persuaded to respond in saving faith in the first place? The answers can be found right in the pages of the very Scripture that God tasks us with opening and proclaiming. Study along with Alistair, and discover them anew.

TheBasicsOfPastoralMinistry_Volume04

 

The Basics of Pastoral Ministry, Volume 4: Exposition and Evangelism
by Alistair Begg

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the…

(more)

In this collection of sermons and lectures, Alistair Begg directs current pastors, aspiring pastors, pastors in training, and lay leaders to the Bible’s teachings on expository and evangelistic preaching. Is preaching based in God’s Word just one legitimate style among many? Where did expository preaching come from? What are the essential elements of a Gospel presentation? The answers can be found right in the pages of the very Scripture that God tasks us with opening and proclaiming. Study along with Alistair, and discover them anew.


HistorysBestPreachers

 

What Do History’s Best Preachers Have in Common?

DoPeopleEvenListen

 

Do People Even Listen to Preaching Anymore?

4UnexpectedKeys

 

4 Unexpected Keys to Effective Preaching

HowAlistairPrepares

 

How Alistair Begg Prepares a Sermon

WhatMinistersDontDo

 

What Gospel Ministers Don’t Do (Part 1 of 4)

 


Copyright © 2024 , Truth For Life. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.