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Some Pastors and Teachers
In five sections and thirty-nine chapters, Sinclair B Ferguson writes on pastor-teachers whose life and work have left an indelible mark on his own life, and then leads us in a series of chapters on the teaching of John Calvin, John Owen and the seventeenth century Puritans. This is followed by studies of Scripture, the ministry of the Spirit, the nature of Biblical Theology, the work of Christ, adoption, the nature of the Christian life and other important doctrines. The final section discusses various aspects of preaching, including preaching Christ from the Old Testament, the importance of theology, reaching the heart, and concludes with a decalogue for preachers. All this, as the epilogue makes clear, is set within the context and goal of doxology.
824 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
52 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Sinclair B. Ferguson
218 books559 followersSinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 29, 2018
3.5 stars, really. Though no fault of its own, I went in expecting a lengthy theology of pastoral ministry, and it *sort of* is that, but not really. There's much gold here, but overall the book suffers from 3 primary issues: 1) It doesn't know what it is. It's really 3 books in one: a survey of historical ministry (Calvin, Owen, Murray), a solid gospel theology for ministers, and then some reflections on pastoral ministry (mainly preaching). Because of that: 2) It's too long and is more suitable for dipping in and out as chapters strike interest. And in Dr. Ferguson's defense, he says as much in the intro. It's also fairly dense stuff, mainly in the latter two-thirds. If you had trouble understanding "The Whole Christ," the theological excurses in this book will likely be more difficult for you. 3) These are collected essays, so the book lacks a cohesive through-line and transition (see point #1 above), but it's also rife with redundancies, especially in the historical sections. The major characters are re-introduced frequently, often using the same language and quotes found in other essays. This makes sense when you're reading individual pieces published on their own, but a good thorough editing could have pared some of these down and made the book flow better.
To be clear, this book is full of wisdom and help. I benefited from it. Just know what you're taking on when you pick it up. It is not really a big book on pastoral ministry proper.
To be clear, this book is full of wisdom and help. I benefited from it. Just know what you're taking on when you pick it up. It is not really a big book on pastoral ministry proper.
June 27, 2018
The title and description of the book might leave you a little confused as you work through the first chapters, but as you go on the idea becomes more clear. It’s a collection of articles published over a number of years that has been arranged, so there is a number of themes and ideas that are repeated in different ways, but to very useful effect. I found it very helpful and encouraging. It provides quite a bit of historical depth which is illuminating.
January 24, 2018
Outstanding in every way!
February 6, 2025
I wish the book had been available many decades ago. Every minister of the gospel will benefit from this but what a wonderful foundation for one who is early into his work. Very highly recommended. Extremely helpful.
January 1, 2018
The day that Sinclair Ferguson’s new book, Some Pastors and Teachers arrived, I was like a kid in a candy store; a monkey in a banana factory; a shark in blood-infested waters. Gazing at the table of contents caused my heart to race, which is a testimony of my deep love for the church, theology, and pastoral ministry.
It was immediately apparent that Dr. Ferguson was attaching a high degree of importance to the past by acknowledging some of the great pastor-teachers in church history - men like John Calvin, John Owen, John Murray, and the Puritans.
Some Pastors and Teachers is a mixture of biography, systematic and biblical theology, and pastoral theology. Ferguson writes with theological precision and pastoral compassion and experience. He writes with a gravitas that is both weighty and inspirational.
While each of the thirty-nine chapters are commendable in their own right, chapter thirty-seven, was especially meaningful to me. Ferguson argues with great force that “all truly biblical preaching is preaching to the heart.” This kind of preaching is marked by several characteristics:
1. A right use of the Bible which must first be directed to the mind. Ferguson adds, “When we preach to the heart, the mind is not so much the terminus of our preaching, but the channel through which we appeal to the whole person, leading to the transformation of the whole life.
Nourishment of the whole person. Ferguson makes it clear that spiritual nourishment must be carefully defined: “There is a difference between a well-instructed congregation and a well-nourished one.”
2. An understanding of the condition of hearers.
3. The use of the imagination.
4. Grace in Christ.
This behemoth of a book is filled with rich material that promises deep pastoral encouragement, comfort, and instruction. This “doxological Calvinism” is the best of all worlds. Such a theological framework strengthens minds, nourishes hearts, and ultimately equips pastors to feed, lead, lock, and protect the flock - all for God’s glory.
It was immediately apparent that Dr. Ferguson was attaching a high degree of importance to the past by acknowledging some of the great pastor-teachers in church history - men like John Calvin, John Owen, John Murray, and the Puritans.
Some Pastors and Teachers is a mixture of biography, systematic and biblical theology, and pastoral theology. Ferguson writes with theological precision and pastoral compassion and experience. He writes with a gravitas that is both weighty and inspirational.
While each of the thirty-nine chapters are commendable in their own right, chapter thirty-seven, was especially meaningful to me. Ferguson argues with great force that “all truly biblical preaching is preaching to the heart.” This kind of preaching is marked by several characteristics:
1. A right use of the Bible which must first be directed to the mind. Ferguson adds, “When we preach to the heart, the mind is not so much the terminus of our preaching, but the channel through which we appeal to the whole person, leading to the transformation of the whole life.
Nourishment of the whole person. Ferguson makes it clear that spiritual nourishment must be carefully defined: “There is a difference between a well-instructed congregation and a well-nourished one.”
2. An understanding of the condition of hearers.
3. The use of the imagination.
4. Grace in Christ.
This behemoth of a book is filled with rich material that promises deep pastoral encouragement, comfort, and instruction. This “doxological Calvinism” is the best of all worlds. Such a theological framework strengthens minds, nourishes hearts, and ultimately equips pastors to feed, lead, lock, and protect the flock - all for God’s glory.
January 11, 2018
Sinclair Ferguson is one of today’s most respected Reformed theologians. In fact, the late R.C. Sproul, called him his favorite theologian. Anytime Dr. Ferguson publishes a new book it is going to get my attention. This eight-hundred plus page volume is no ordinary book, and will be a welcome addition to any pastor’s library. Though a seminary graduate, I’m a ruling elder, not a preaching pastor. Regardless, I was blessed and will for years very much benefit from the wisdom contained in these pages.
The book, which covers many of the themes and tasks of Christian ministry, is broken into five major sections, which include 39 chapters. The major sections are:
I. Pastors and Teachers: Three Johns
II. John Calvin: Pastor-Teacher
III. Puritans: Pastors and Teachers
IV. The Pastor and Teaching
V. The Pastor and Preaching
The title of the book comes from Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:11. The author tells us that many of these chapters were first published in relatively obscure places in the context of busy pastoral ministry. Now, he sees how the essays seem to self-select and rearrange themselves into a coherent whole. He hopes that these pages will encourage other pastors to stretch themselves beyond their normal pulpit or lectern preparation and accept invitations to study, speak and write on subjects outside of their norm.
He encourages pastors and teachers to utilize their gifts for fellow pastors. He sees this book as representing some of the gifts that the Lord has given him for others who have an interest in and a concern for the ministry of the gospel.
Although this is a massive volume, each chapter is an entity on its own. The author states that readers can enter and leave at any point they choose as no chapter is completely dependent on the previous chapter or any other chapter in the book. As a ruling elder, that will allow me to focus on those sections that focus on teaching, rather than preaching, for example.
I look forward to the benefiting from the wisdom contained in these pages for many years. This would be an excellent addition to any minister’s library.
The book, which covers many of the themes and tasks of Christian ministry, is broken into five major sections, which include 39 chapters. The major sections are:
I. Pastors and Teachers: Three Johns
II. John Calvin: Pastor-Teacher
III. Puritans: Pastors and Teachers
IV. The Pastor and Teaching
V. The Pastor and Preaching
The title of the book comes from Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:11. The author tells us that many of these chapters were first published in relatively obscure places in the context of busy pastoral ministry. Now, he sees how the essays seem to self-select and rearrange themselves into a coherent whole. He hopes that these pages will encourage other pastors to stretch themselves beyond their normal pulpit or lectern preparation and accept invitations to study, speak and write on subjects outside of their norm.
He encourages pastors and teachers to utilize their gifts for fellow pastors. He sees this book as representing some of the gifts that the Lord has given him for others who have an interest in and a concern for the ministry of the gospel.
Although this is a massive volume, each chapter is an entity on its own. The author states that readers can enter and leave at any point they choose as no chapter is completely dependent on the previous chapter or any other chapter in the book. As a ruling elder, that will allow me to focus on those sections that focus on teaching, rather than preaching, for example.
I look forward to the benefiting from the wisdom contained in these pages for many years. This would be an excellent addition to any minister’s library.
May 5, 2020
I loved this book. It’s full of years of pastoral and theological wisdom. The essays on faith, justification, sanctification and Christ as propitiator/victor are all excellent. As is all the stuff on history and preaching.
As these essays were not originally written to be in one book as they are here there is some repetition so this book would be ideal to read a chapter a week or to dip into chapters as you fancy it. I will definitely be referring back to different sections of this book at different times for years to come.
As these essays were not originally written to be in one book as they are here there is some repetition so this book would be ideal to read a chapter a week or to dip into chapters as you fancy it. I will definitely be referring back to different sections of this book at different times for years to come.
December 29, 2018
Wonderful
February 4, 2018
This book is not at all what I expected when I first picked it up and began reading. In fact, I felt at times that the title did not match the contents. On most occasions, when a book does not live up to its title or the expectation the title produced, it fails. In this case, I may surprise you by saying that this book is Five-Star plus!
It turns out that it’s actually a compilation of many articles that Sinclair Ferguson has written over his long pastoral career. That approach often lands with a thud in many books that I’ve seen, but somehow those articles again made a magical whole here. Mr. Ferguson brings three incredible traits to the table that make this book a success: he’s an astute historian, a probing theologian, and an engaging writer. I offer that praise even though I don’t always agree with his theological conclusions. A book that can get me thinking as deeply as this one does is my friend.
The first 18 chapters are primarily a deep dive into three of Mr. Ferguson’s heroes: John Calvin, John Owen, and John Murray (I guess only those named John need apply!) In each of these three pastor/theologian’s cases he highlights their passion for preaching and pastoring coupled with an explanation of their theology. The theology never bogs down what is quite interesting biographical writing.
Chapters 19-31 are deep theology. Though he uses some of the explanations of his heroes mentioned above, Mr. Ferguson often wrote with more clarity, verve, and accessibility than they did. Again, I didn’t agree with all of his conclusions as I am not a reformed Presbyterian as he is, but with great warmth he laid the issues clearly on the table.
The final section is a bit more of a hodgepodge, but is in the category the book’s title led you to believe the whole book is about. He covers exegetical preaching, preaching Christ from the Old Testament, the preacher as a theologian, preaching the atonement, preaching to the heart, preaching and the Reformed theological tradition, followed by a preacher’s Decalogue, which was a very interesting list of things that he wishes he had heard earlier in his ministry. Only in his epilogue did the author leave off the emphasis on Christ and replace it with his own passion for reformed theology.
When you finally finish this book, you will then realize why perhaps the author felt comfortable with his title after all. Quite frankly, he thinks a pastor is not worth his salt who can’t ply theology. After I’ve thought about it, he’s correct.
This book is best done as a slow read. It’s thick and so will take an investment of time. Take it. You won’t regret it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
It turns out that it’s actually a compilation of many articles that Sinclair Ferguson has written over his long pastoral career. That approach often lands with a thud in many books that I’ve seen, but somehow those articles again made a magical whole here. Mr. Ferguson brings three incredible traits to the table that make this book a success: he’s an astute historian, a probing theologian, and an engaging writer. I offer that praise even though I don’t always agree with his theological conclusions. A book that can get me thinking as deeply as this one does is my friend.
The first 18 chapters are primarily a deep dive into three of Mr. Ferguson’s heroes: John Calvin, John Owen, and John Murray (I guess only those named John need apply!) In each of these three pastor/theologian’s cases he highlights their passion for preaching and pastoring coupled with an explanation of their theology. The theology never bogs down what is quite interesting biographical writing.
Chapters 19-31 are deep theology. Though he uses some of the explanations of his heroes mentioned above, Mr. Ferguson often wrote with more clarity, verve, and accessibility than they did. Again, I didn’t agree with all of his conclusions as I am not a reformed Presbyterian as he is, but with great warmth he laid the issues clearly on the table.
The final section is a bit more of a hodgepodge, but is in the category the book’s title led you to believe the whole book is about. He covers exegetical preaching, preaching Christ from the Old Testament, the preacher as a theologian, preaching the atonement, preaching to the heart, preaching and the Reformed theological tradition, followed by a preacher’s Decalogue, which was a very interesting list of things that he wishes he had heard earlier in his ministry. Only in his epilogue did the author leave off the emphasis on Christ and replace it with his own passion for reformed theology.
When you finally finish this book, you will then realize why perhaps the author felt comfortable with his title after all. Quite frankly, he thinks a pastor is not worth his salt who can’t ply theology. After I’ve thought about it, he’s correct.
This book is best done as a slow read. It’s thick and so will take an investment of time. Take it. You won’t regret it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 3, 2020
Though it's a long read (I read and discussed it weekly with a couple other local pastors), 'Some Pastors and Teachers' is an excellent and fruitful study of the nature of pastoral ministry and the faithfulness required of men in the discharge of their duty as ministers. As always, Ferguson is at once practical, theological, and pastoral, guiding readers through the challenges of ministry to the center of faithful service: Christ himself. I was personally helped and encouraged, as well as challenged. The wording is clear, although, since it is largely a compilation of lectures or past teachings, some material overlaps or is covered a handful of times. Still, this book is invaluable and deserves a place in the mind in heart of pastors, young and old, new and seasoned, and a prominent place on the minister's bookshelf - though within reach, because it's one you will certainly reference again and again!
July 22, 2022
This book suffers from what is also its greatest strength - it's a little bit of everything. I went in hoping for a systematic treatment of things pertaining to what every minister is called to be, and I was met with a collection of essays loosely categorized and compiled. There are some essays that are easily 5-stars, then there are large swaths where I had difficulty staying engaged. I'm sure I'll return to the book at some point in the future, but I couldn't justify five stars because of how dense the work is.
August 17, 2024
Une collection d'articles sur les sujets favoris de Sinclair Ferguson, que ce soit ses héros de l'histoire (Calvin, Owen, John Murray), ses doctrines favorite et le ministère de la parole.
Chaque article, pris individuellement, fait montre des qualités que l'on s'attend à trouver chez Ferguson.
Sauf que beaucoup d'entre eux sont sur des thèmes similaires ce qui fait beaucoup de répétitions, énormément de répétitions ( Ferguson le reconnaît lui-même dans l'introduction).
Un livre à picorer plutôt qu'à dévorer donc
Chaque article, pris individuellement, fait montre des qualités que l'on s'attend à trouver chez Ferguson.
Sauf que beaucoup d'entre eux sont sur des thèmes similaires ce qui fait beaucoup de répétitions, énormément de répétitions ( Ferguson le reconnaît lui-même dans l'introduction).
Un livre à picorer plutôt qu'à dévorer donc
January 4, 2020
An excellent gift by Ferguson to the Church.
Contained within are 39 chapters of his writings for pastors and teachers. Some of them are on prominent pastors and teachers (John Owen, John Calvin and John Murray), and their writings. Others are on pertinent issues facing Christians and the church (the holiness of the Father, repentance). The penultimate chapter of “10 commandments for pastors” is simple but immense.
Much to learn. A good gift to give to your pastors!
Contained within are 39 chapters of his writings for pastors and teachers. Some of them are on prominent pastors and teachers (John Owen, John Calvin and John Murray), and their writings. Others are on pertinent issues facing Christians and the church (the holiness of the Father, repentance). The penultimate chapter of “10 commandments for pastors” is simple but immense.
Much to learn. A good gift to give to your pastors!
February 23, 2023
The title here may be a bit misleading. This is a collection of essays over the years that Ferguson has written on various topics.
Anyone who has been blessed by Ferguson and enjoys his work will enjoy this volume. This is best read one chapter at a time, not as a book as there is quite a lot of repetition (no fault of the author) due to the nature of the work since you will see same/similar quotes and ideas in different essays. This is to be expected after all.
Anyone who has been blessed by Ferguson and enjoys his work will enjoy this volume. This is best read one chapter at a time, not as a book as there is quite a lot of repetition (no fault of the author) due to the nature of the work since you will see same/similar quotes and ideas in different essays. This is to be expected after all.
March 5, 2020
Lots of great material here from Calvin, to Owen, to Murray. Some of the chapters overlap with others, but for the most part (given that this is largely compiler material from over the years) each have a distinct emphasis. Any pastor or student in training will find encouragement here, wisdom, and a solid grounding and foundation from which to labor from in the ministry.
February 16, 2021
I love Sinclair Ferguson. This book felt "heavy." I don't have another word for it. As a pastor, I feel like a failure after reading this book. I try to do much of what the book says, but always fall short.
February 21, 2023
Sinclair Ferguson is one of God's great gifts to his church in our era. This collection of essays is exactly what we would expect from him. Doctrinally rich and pastorally insightful, Ferguson brings a book to us that only he could. I recommend it for anyone in pastoral ministry.
July 16, 2024
Bounced around this book and haven’t actually read each chapter. Love that each chapter can be read on its own. Would highly recommend this book as a very readable “textbook” on historic Christian ministerial categories.
November 4, 2025
This massive collection of essays provides a pastor with encouragement from the past and wisdom for the work of preaching and teaching. A great resource for a group of church leaders (elders) to work through together.
April 25, 2022
Outstanding. I wish I had read this significant volume at the beginning of my pastoral ministry. The material on biblical theology in expository preaching was particularly helpful.
October 4, 2024
Some repetition, but always centered on following Christ. Much good in here. I valued learning more about John Murray particularly and hearing Ferguson's reflections on preaching.
October 22, 2024
it's a collection of essays. very good essays. but still a collection of essay, not necessarily edited to do away redundancies.
And I read just under 50% of it.
And I read just under 50% of it.
December 1, 2025
This is a collection of essays meant to be read here and there. As always, Ferguson is well worth reading.
March 30, 2019
This is a long and wonderful book from my colleague, Sinclair. It is really a collection of essays on subjects which are particularly relevant to those of us who are pastors. In fact I would regard it as essential for any minister to have. If yours doesn’t then buy it for him. Sinclair begins with the three Johns – Calvin, Owen and Murray. Part two looks at John Calvin- Pastor-Teacher. Part three: Puritans – Pastors/Teachers. Part 4: The Pastor and Teaching. Part 5: The Pastor and Preaching. It is a lengthy read – almost 800 pages long – and the chapters are somewhat uneven – they are not all of equal value – but that is not a criticism. The chapters vary from good to brilliant. I was especially taken by the last section on preaching. This is a book that any minister worth his salt will return to again and again.
“The scribes and teachers of the law spoke about the Bible in a manner removed from daily experience. Jesus, in stark contrast, seemed to speak from inside the Bible in a way that addressed their hearts”
“The scribes and teachers of the law spoke about the Bible in a manner removed from daily experience. Jesus, in stark contrast, seemed to speak from inside the Bible in a way that addressed their hearts”
December 20, 2020
This is one of the best books I've read this year, and one of the best books on pastoral theology that I've ever read.
This is a collection of essays and books chapters that Sinclair Ferguson has written over the years, and as a result there is some repetition: they are many ideas and quotes (particularly one by John Calvin on “our whole salvation and all its parts are comprehended in Christ”) occur again and again. I see this, however, as an asset rather than a liability – through the book we get a view of what Ferguson is all about: what excites him and what he emphasises. In fact, this volume shows us what a well-rounded ministry of a pastor-theologian looks like.
This book is particularly written for pastors, and he uses other disciplines – church history, historical theology, and systematic theology – in the service of pastoral theology. The book covers John Calvin, John Owen, several chapters on individual doctrines, and finally a section of preaching.
This is rich, encouraging stuff, that is quite easy to read. I would recommend this to any pastor.
This is a collection of essays and books chapters that Sinclair Ferguson has written over the years, and as a result there is some repetition: they are many ideas and quotes (particularly one by John Calvin on “our whole salvation and all its parts are comprehended in Christ”) occur again and again. I see this, however, as an asset rather than a liability – through the book we get a view of what Ferguson is all about: what excites him and what he emphasises. In fact, this volume shows us what a well-rounded ministry of a pastor-theologian looks like.
This book is particularly written for pastors, and he uses other disciplines – church history, historical theology, and systematic theology – in the service of pastoral theology. The book covers John Calvin, John Owen, several chapters on individual doctrines, and finally a section of preaching.
This is rich, encouraging stuff, that is quite easy to read. I would recommend this to any pastor.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews