Product Description

The Perfect Pastor? by D. Thomas Owsley, D.Min., is an engaging new book about the realistic, humorous, and poignant life experiences of a fictional pastor. More than just a wonderful story, the book is a tool for church members and pastors alike. It equips laypeople with the insights to relate to and support their pastor while providing pastors with a solid understanding for how to address the various expectations of church members. Dr. Owsley draws upon four decades of church experience, as both a member and pastor, to clarify the biblical requirements, roles, and responsibilities of a pastor. He taps into this wisdom to reveal what the Bible illuminates as a healthy, balanced relationship between pastor and church members. Through compelling anecdotes and profound observations, The Perfect Pastor? improves relationships between church members and their pastors and drives both groups to a greater proximity to God's purposes. D. Thomas Owsley (M. Div. Westminster Seminary California, D. Min. Geneva Theological Seminary) has been active with various lay ministries in local churches since he became a Christian in high school. He has served as a teacher, a deacon, and an elder before he walked the world of a pastor through service as youth director, pastoral intern, interim pastor, church planter, and senior pastor. These roles and the role of founder-principal of a Christian school paved the way for his "up-close and personal" view of the pastor. His search for "the perfect pastor" continues as he currently serves as senior pastor at Cornerstone Community Church (PCA) in Artesia, California. He and Lois, his wife of thirty years, have two precious daughters.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #657616 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 428 pages

Customer Reviews

Unique and Informative
Pastor Owsley effectively meshes novel and textbook to open a window on the daily life of a pastor and to teach appropriate expectations for pastors and their congregations. While pastors will certainly be encouraged by this book, it is primarily designed for church members who wonder what their pastor does all week and what his job is supposed to be.

The greatest strength of this book is the style. It is a compelling story of a fictional pastor Dan and his joys and struggles as he ministers to his congregation. Through Dan's learning, teaching, and reflections, the reader learns about the biblical role of a pastor and how the congregation can support and encourage their pastor. With the narrative driving the book, I learned a great deal, but was always excited to pick it up and find out how the story continued.

This book is also a resource, with reflection and/or discussion questions at the end of each section and a number of appendices with handouts and checklists that would be useful for all church members, whether in positions of leadership or not.

Great book for sheep and shepherds alike.
The book is drawn from the collected true-to-life experiences of a pastor and his family in a conservative denomination. What Dr. Owsley provides is a revealing look at the day-to-day struggle of a pastor who seeks the best for his family and congregation but must overcome prejudice, legalism and other un-Christian behavior from his fellow elders and congregants.

One of the most humbling aspects of the book, apart from the appalling behavior of the 'christians' under the pastor's care is the fact that the pastor must, in counseling an intern warn him about the dangers of the ministry.

This book is excellent for sheep as well as shepherds and I recommend it to both ministers and their flocks to provide insight into the proper care and feeding of a pastor. I too have learned much from Dr. Owsley, both from this book and from our friendship, and found this book helpful in my walk as a believer and as one under the authority of a pastor.

Might Make You Feel Better
The Perfect Pastor? is a well-written exploration of a pastor's adventures in a troubled church. Though a bit didactic at times, it provides a realistic day-to-day exploration of the life of an individual in professional church leadership. For many who are professional church leaders the book will prove encouraging simply by allowing them to compare the protagonist's struggles with their own: They will likely find their struggles light in comparison. For those not in professional church leadership, this book will certainly help them identify and understand some of the interpersonal struggles and challenges faced by anyone involved in shepherding a church. A great read with excellent appendices!