(Part 1)

JBTM Book Reviews
171
Jesus Christ” (15). He then declares ten key priorities of a pastor, which serve as the ten
chapters of the book. These ten priorities are grouped into three categories: foundation,
focus, and faithfulness.
Under the title of “foundation,” the first three basic priorities of a pastor are described—
namely, “guard the truth,” “preach the word,” and “pray for the flock.” In these chapters,
Croft gives the Old and New Testament background for each priority before turning to
application of that priority in the work of the pastor. The strength of this section is in the
practical guidance regarding preaching and praying. Sound advice and encouragement based
not only on Scripture but also upon the experiences of the author in the modern church help
make these demands achievable, and leave the reader with real suggestions for putting them
into practice. For example, Croft presents the case for solid expository preaching, using one’s
own material, and with both the people and oneself in mind. Likewise, he provides a number
of suggestions regarding ways to pray for every individual within the church. Certainly, these
three activities are foundational for the pastoral ministry, and Croft does well to highlight
their necessity.
In the section designated as “focus,” Croft addresses the next four responsibilities of a
pastor: “set an example,” “visit the sick,” “comfort the grieving,” and “care for widows.” In
portions of this section, the material reads like a minister’s manual. For example, specific
details are given regarding the duties of the pastor at a funeral, such as when to arrive, where
to stand, how to work with a funeral director, and so on. Overall, this section does relate the
ministerial focus of a pastor, but the chapter on “care for the widows” seems too narrow. If
the broader topic “care for the needy” had been chosen, and elements for orphans, the poor,
and aliens/strangers were included with the widows, then perhaps the section would have
been stronger. As it stands, the chapter seems to serve as a preview of the book he is coauthoring
on the topic (117), and is an arbitrary choice from among the many responsibilities
calling for a minister’s attention.
In the final section, Croft combines the pastor’s need to “confront sin,” “encourage
the weaker sheep,” and “identify and train leaders” under the heading of “faithfulness.” As
indicated by this heading, the challenge of a pastor in these difficult tasks, and when working
with difficult people, is to remain faithful. Not only must he deal with sinners and broken
people, he must help train the next generation of shepherds to do so as well. In comparison,
the chapter on confronting sin, which focuses on the need for church discipline, is one of the
weaker portions, in that the biblical basis leans only upon a few New Testament passages.
This seems odd, given the balance of the other chapters. Certainly, examples from the Old
Testament abound, such as Nathan’s confrontation of David (2 Sam 12).
In the conclusion, Croft challenges ministers to keep watch over themselves. Here he
comes full circle, calling for the pastor to remember he is subject to the Chief Shepherd
himself. Croft makes it clear that a pastor can easily discredit himself when he fails to watch