HeartCry Missionary Society

A Portrait of Paul: Identifying a True Minister of Christ (Paperback)

Rob Ventura and Jeremy Walker

Publisher's Description: What does a true pastor look like, and what constitutes a faithful ministry? How can we identify the life and labors of one called by God to serve in the church of Jesus Christ? To address these questions, Rob Ventura and Jeremy Walker examine how the apostle Paul describes his pastoral relation to the people of God in Colossians 1:24–2:5. By discussing these essential attitudes, qualities, and characteristics of a faithful minister of Christ, A Portrait of Paul provides gospel ministers an example of what they should be, and demonstrates for churches the kind of pastors they will seek if they desire men after God’s own heart.

Table of Contents
1. The Joy of Paul’s Ministry
2. The Focus of Paul’s Ministry
3. The Hardships of Paul’s Ministry
4. The Origin of Paul’s Ministry
5. The Essence of Paul’s Ministry
6. The Subject of Paul’s Ministry
7. The Goal of Paul’s Ministry
8. The Strength of Paul’s Ministry
9. The Conflict of Paul’s Ministry
10. The Warnings of Paul’s Ministry

How can I use this book?
# Churches looking for a pastor will find guidance in what a faithful man of God will look like.
# Christians looking for a church will find a tool by which they can assess the pastors of the flock in the light of God’s Word, finding men to whom they can commit the care of their souls.
# Christians already in a church will be better equipped to pray for their pastors and will further understand what it really means to be shepherded by a man after God’s own heart.
# Ministerial students pursuing the work of the ministry will see a picture of a man they should seek to imitate.
# Pastors will be encouraged to persevere in the high calling of gospel ministry.

256 Pages
Published October 2010

About the Authors:

Rob Ventura is a pastor of Grace Community Baptist Church in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Jeremy Walker is a pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, England.

Purchase »

A Review of a Portrait of Paul - Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society.

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (New Expanded Edition)

Mark Dever

Any church can be healthier and glorify God better in all that it is and does. Pastor Mark Dever suggests nine marks have grown rare in today's churches and that distinguish a healthy, biblical church from its less-healthy sisters--marks like expositional preaching, a biblical understanding of evangelism, and strong church discipline. Whether you are a pastor, lay leader, or involved member of a congregation, you can help cultivate these elements in your church, bringing it new life and health for God's glory.

What makes for a healthy church? A large congregation? Plentiful parking? Vibrant music?

You may have read books on this topic before--but not like this one. This new expanded edition of Nine Marks of a Healthy Church is not an instruction manual for church growth. It is a pastor's recommendation of how to assess the health of your church using nine crucial qualities that are neglected by many of today's churches.

Whether you're a church leader or an involved member of your congregation, you can help cultivate these elements in your church, bringing it new life and health for God's glory.

Purchase »

Deliberate Church

Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Pastors Mark Dever and Paul Alexander provide a model of a biblical church in this resource for pastors, elders, and others interested in the vitality of their church. This highly practical book proposes an attitude of complete reliance on and submission to the Gospel in building a healthy church.

Purchase »