Deciding to Study for the Ministry
Studying for gospel ministry: it’s a big decision. Here are some authors that have considered this matter in more detail. Hopefully you’ll find their thoughts edifying.
Clowney, Edmund P. Called to the Ministry. Inter-Varsity Press, 1964.
Harman, Allan M. Preparation for Ministry. Banner of Truth Trust, 2015.
Macleod, Donald. “The Call to the Ministry.” The Monthly Record, 1981. Article available here.
Poppe, Dirk. “Thinking of Ministry?” Una Sancta, April 22, 2023. Article available here.
Preparing for Seminary
Before starting your seminary degree, you may find you have time for some extra reading. You may also be wondering, “Are there any books that would be particularly helpful for me to read?” Glad you asked! Below are some suggestions, including some classics and more contemporary books. You don’t have to read any of these books in advance. These are simply helpful suggestions.
Christian Classics
Augustine. Confessions. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Bunyan, John. The Pilgrim’s Progress. Penguin Books, 1965.
Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by Ford Lewis Battles. Westminster Press, 1960.
Packer, J. I. Knowing God. Hodder and Stoughton, 1973.
Biblical and Theological Studies
Boekestein, William, and Daniel R. Hyde. A Well-Ordered Church: Laying a Solid Foundation for a Vibrant Church. EP Books, 2015.
Currid, John D. Calvin and the Biblical Languages. Mentor, 2006.
Chapell, Bryan. Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon. Baker Books, 1994.
Dever, Mark. The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept. Crossway, 2025.
Muraoka, T. Why Read the Bible in the Original Languages? Peeters, 2020.
Van Vliet, Jason. Growing in the Gospel: Sound Doctrine for Daily Living. Lucerna CRTS Publications, 2016.
Bredenhof, Reuben. Weak Pastor, Strong Christ: Developing a Christ-Shaped Gospel Ministry. Reformation Heritage Books, 2021.
Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by Ford Lewis Battles. Westminster Press, 1960. Book 3.6-7 “Sum of the Christian Life”
Mathis, David. Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines. Crossway, 2016.
Experiencing Seminary and the Ministry
What will seminary studies and eventually gospel ministry itself really be like? These books provide insights and advice, including how ministry should be approached by married couples and pastors’ families.
