Your Shepherd Is An Endangered Species – Book Review

By: HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman (1996)

ISBN 1-56476-585-7

Book Price: $8.36

pastoral ministry development

HB London, Jr. is Vice President of Ministry Outreach/Pastoral Ministries at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. He has also pastored churches for thirty-one years. Neil B. Wiseman is Professor of Pastoral Development at Nazarene Bible College. He has gone through more than twenty years and another twenty years in pastoral support!

About your pastor

London and Wiseman inject ideas into nine chapters. They express the following, pastors under fire (Ch. 1), what pastors want congregations to know about ministry (Ch. 3), seven habits of highly effective church pillars (Ch. 7), creating a healthy self-image of the congregation (Ch. 8), a pastor’s bill of rights (Ch. 9).

Addressing the issues facing pastoralists

HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman connect with their audience through an informative style, using research data, quotes, and a variety of evidence to support their claims. They say: “Today’s pastors face crises unknown to any other occupational group… Credibility has diminished. Suspicions have risen… people dysfunctional… leaders have less time…”

HB and Neil focus on current trends to support their case, stating that “The church-viewing consumer mentality is driving some pastors insane with fear. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of all church membership earnings church in a recent year were a result of people leaving one church and joining another.

The authors pose questions to focus readers on topics such as: “Why does the church need pastors… To build up the body… expand our knowledge of the Son… facilitate our maturity… encourage our growth… . church… built…”

London and Wiseman give solutions to the problems cited in the early chapters, urging: “Try to shield your pastor from criticism…Try to double down on your affirmation of your pastor…commit to fixing what can be fixed… Second positive – the hand claim will be reported on a church gossip line almost as quickly as a negative report…”

With great insight, HB and Neil tackle the #1 issue facing pastors. They explain: “Church rumors often focus on the pastor and those close to him… In casual conversations, accuracy is often compromised…”.

Pressures Pastors Face Today

HB London, Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman reveal with precision and supporting facts the pressures facing pastors today.