The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership

“These pages demand that you put on your thinking cap. This is a book for long-haul ministry. Its wisdom is based on the principle that the extent to which our minds are soaked in, and our lives shaped by, Scripture will determine the quality of our ministry. Sir Francis Bacon’s famous words are applicable here: 'Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.' The Pastor as Leader belongs to this last category, and there will be no other way to absorb and benefit from it than by chewing on what Currie writes and slowly and carefully digesting it. This is practical theology as well as theology that is practical.”

“The Pastor as Leader recovers the greatest need for our day and our churches—the pastor as a man of God who leads through preaching God’s word as God’s ambassador. Every page is convicting, and not a few times I was sent to my knees in prayer, ‘O Lord, raise up a generation of men of God who, filled with your Spirit and leading from their knees, faithfully preach your word.’”

“Good pastors lead and feed—all week long and especially in the pulpit. These two central tasks go together. In his church, Christ means for the rulers to teach and the teachers to rule. Separating one from the other would harm them both. By connecting principles and practices, John Currie helps preacher-leaders realize the ancient, enduring vision. I encourage not only individuals but leadership teams to read this book.”

“The Pastor as Leader is clear, deeply scriptural, and cogently written. While it reflects the best of the Reformed tradition and its pastoral riches, it is remarkably relevant for all pastors, regardless of denominational tradition or theological connection. This is because John Currie’s commitment to and exposition of the Scriptures engage the heart and mind of one called to serve Christ in ministry. This book will inspire both pastoral students and pastors who have served in ministry for many years. I highly recommend it.”

“This book fills a void in the pastoral-leadership literature and has quickly become one of my favorite books on the pastorate. It is filled with robust biblical exegesis, sound theology, affection for Christ, and helpful real-life application. Currie’s experience and expertise as a pastor and mentor to pastors shows on every page. Come sit at the feet of this pastor of pastors to be refreshed and renewed in ministry.”

“Often when pastors think about leadership in the church, they fail to take into account the strategic place of preaching. With biblical and theological depth, John Currie describes the many facets necessary for the man of God, in the power of God, to effectively lead the flock of God through the ministry of the word of God. This is a book that preachers and aspiring preachers need to read and digest.”

“Rather than relying on the latest secular leadership strategies, Currie has written a book that is rich in biblical exposition, careful in the application of theological categories, and informed by noteworthy pastors and theologians throughout the church’s history. According to Currie, leadership is an expression of a biblical ecclesiology, requiring clear convictions concerning the church’s mission, the purpose of preaching, and an appreciation of the varied gifts the ascended and reigning Christ has distributed within his church. Throughout this book, you will find encouragement to lead, starting with your preaching, with greater conviction and clarity.”

“A pastor is a leader. But where will he lead those who follow him? The Pastor as Leader isn’t just another book on leadership or preaching but a Scripture-saturated plea to lead God’s people by God’s word. This refreshing vision of pastoral ministry was helpful and humbling for me. I trust it’ll serve you as well.”

“What does it mean to be a new covenant minister of the Spirit, a post-Pentecost pastor now that Christ—crucified, resurrected, and ascended—is head over all things to and for the church? With sound handling of Scripture, enriched by his own experience as a seasoned pastor, John Currie explores the answer as he makes the compelling case that the pastor’s calling as a leader takes place primarily in the pulpit.”