A Minister's Obstacles

by Ralph G. Turnbull

A preaching and pastoral aid.

Genres: Leadership

190 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2017

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is important for 21st Century pastors to read books like from the previous generation or two every so often. This book's emphasis on holiness and self-discipline is important for us to encounter today.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is a perfect follow-up to Jowett’s The Preacher: His Life And Work. Mr. Turnbull wrote this book in 1964 and it was incredibly influential and for good reason. You will notice how widely read he was in the great books on preaching before him. It is no surprise that he edited Baker’s “Notable Books On Preaching” series.

His chapter titles alone will grab you. Consider “The Specter of Professionalism”, “The Vice of Sloth”, “The Dry Rot of Covetousness”, “The Bane of Jealousy”, and “The Paralysis of Pride” among others. The contents are as convicting as the titles.

He had so many great things to say. I marked in my copy how he even broached the subject of moodiness in preachers and how we must guard against it.

This is a great volume!

[Tom Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ralph Turnbull, a now largely forgotten 20th century Presbyterian pastor and author, penned this as a warning to pastors of potential pitfalls in the ministry. On the plus side, Turnbull has experience in the ministry. He pairs that well with a wide/deep knowledge of the writings of yesteryear, many of the best of which he quotes. I like him for that. Having said that, there is little original in this little book (188 pages). It reads like a man who wanted to write a book for pastors, and having done so could cross it off his to-do list. The best of these types of books - think Spurgeon or Charles Jefferson here - leave you gasping for air. They raise you to the heights of ministerial potential and call you, nay, exhort you to follow them there. Turnbull does not. He plods, he writes around the bush, he gives material that is often dated. For all that, he edifies, and I can forgive a man much who does that.

Decent book. Not good. Certainly not great. Also not bad.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of instruction for pastors from 1946 has so much depth and wisdom. Its emphasis is on the ministry as a calling, and the need for a minister to have a deep relationship with God. Those of us not in full-time ministry can still gain a lot from this. I wish it could be republished as it would be valuable for today’s church. I’ve found books from other eras (and places) to be helpful in presenting a different way of thinking and illuminating cultural blindspots. This one was definitely that. It reminded me of a different, more spiritual, vision for the pastorate and church that seems to have diminished somewhat in the last couple of decades. Highly recommended.