They Call Me Pastor: How to Love the Ones You Lead

by H.B. London Jr., Neil B. Wiseman

"Pastor. What a beautiful word. What a unique relationship it conveys....Each time someone calls me pastor, I am awestruck.... It humbles me, but I am grateful. There is no higher privilege than being a pastor." So writes H.B. London, who once again joins with his frequent collaborator Neil Wiseman to encourage and inspire church leaders with their most passionate, stirring book to date. "They Call Me Pastor" is an unabashed celebration of the deeply felt bond between a pastor and the congregation he serves - a testimony to the love of God and the miracles it can work in the lives of a shepherd and his flock if only His love is shared and allowed to flourish.

279 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Holly Buhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

They call me pastor notes
* our love for one another grows naturally out of our love for God
* Our love for God grows out of his love for us
* Love is a gift and a privilege never an obligation
* Train yourself to say I love you in Christ
* Always consult the collar before you consider moving
* Pastors live close to the mysteries
* These mysteries have us turning to God because we can’t find answers anywhere else
* To overlook the uniqueness of every congregation creates unnecessary problems which leads to resistance and antagonizes
* Caring for people is a basic essential of what it means to be a pastor
* Why has God sent you to this particular assignment at this particular period in human history?
* We must make more than small talk in Christian ministry and think creatively how we can take more responsibility for each other
* We are drawn to a spirituality that worships self and stuff we need a supernatural spiritual transformation
* God uses unmistakable moments to put us in the right place at the right time to accomplish his plan for someone
* Do not use your position as Pastor to give an impression that you speak for God
* Church membership roles are often treated like mailing lists important to get rid of dead addresses… However, these old names are often lonely people who need renewal and restoration
* People want a balanced preacher, not a driven one
* We must be balanced if we expect our congregation to be. Physical, mental, spiritual

[Brian Stankich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book devotionally the past two months and it was such an encouragement. These pastors share their hearts and stories in a way that it gets you juiced up to love and serve others. Although it is a bit dated (25 years), it's quite relevant to the structure of ministry. I highly recommend it.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written devotionally with themes and popular topics, followed by points of application. Great wisdom inside.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book covering a wide variety of subject matter.