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Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson
D. A. Carson's father was a pioneering church-planter and pastor in Quebec. But still, an ordinary pastor-except that he ministered during the decades that brought French Canada from the brutal challenges of persecution and imprisonment for Baptist ministers to spectacular growth and revival in the 1970s.
It is a story, and an era, that few in the English-speaking world know anything about. But through Tom Carson's journals and written prayers, and the narrative and historical background supplied by his son, readers will be given a firsthand account of not only this trying time in North American church history, but of one pastor's life and times, dreams and disappointments. With words that will ring true for every person who has devoted themselves to the Lord's work, this unique book serves to remind readers that though the sacrifices of serving God are great, the sweetness of living a faithful, obedient life is greater still.
It is a story, and an era, that few in the English-speaking world know anything about. But through Tom Carson's journals and written prayers, and the narrative and historical background supplied by his son, readers will be given a firsthand account of not only this trying time in North American church history, but of one pastor's life and times, dreams and disappointments. With words that will ring true for every person who has devoted themselves to the Lord's work, this unique book serves to remind readers that though the sacrifices of serving God are great, the sweetness of living a faithful, obedient life is greater still.
160 pages, ebook
First published February 29, 2008
72 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Carson
338 books745 followersDonald A. Carson is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has been at Trinity since 1978. Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Carson is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. He has written or edited about sixty books. He is a founding member and currently president of The Gospel Coalition. Carson and his wife, Joy, reside in Libertyville, Illinois. They have two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
February 12, 2013
This book is destined to be a classic, especially among pastors. I would say that you ought to drop whatever you're reading, grab this 160-page book and read it with pen in hand. It's that good.
The last 30 pages were read with longing and desire to live a life worthy of the calling I've received. So many of us are focused on the "big names" in evangelicalism (which of course would include the author of this book!) and we get discouraged or intimidated by massive ministries that God is blessing and that are cranking out conferences, seminars, books, blogs, etc. Tom Carson served God faithfully for decades and was clearly a sinner and struggled with many things. But his dedication, his perseverance and his devotion to his wife are stirring, motivating and challenging.
I'll be returning to this book again and again and suggesting it to pastors, future pastors, former pastors, elders, and church members, for their edification.
The last 30 pages were read with longing and desire to live a life worthy of the calling I've received. So many of us are focused on the "big names" in evangelicalism (which of course would include the author of this book!) and we get discouraged or intimidated by massive ministries that God is blessing and that are cranking out conferences, seminars, books, blogs, etc. Tom Carson served God faithfully for decades and was clearly a sinner and struggled with many things. But his dedication, his perseverance and his devotion to his wife are stirring, motivating and challenging.
I'll be returning to this book again and again and suggesting it to pastors, future pastors, former pastors, elders, and church members, for their edification.
July 16, 2021
“He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists.
When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance into the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man — he was, after all a most ordinary pastor — but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”
When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance into the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man — he was, after all a most ordinary pastor — but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”
May 1, 2021
A tremendously beneficial book for anyone in ministry. I believe our aim ought to be to be “ordinary” like Tom. Tom was a faithful, dedicated servant to the end of his days. Though never flashy or known widely beyond his circles Tom had a significant impact on people’s lives and was well loved by those to whom he ministered.
April 25, 2023
Chock full of wise pastoral advice and warnings. An inspiring account that will persuade you to aspire to be an "ordinary pastor"... a great goal for any pastor.
September 19, 2025
An encouragement to the pastor who faces weariness and insignificance in his ministry (which, in reality, is any ordinary pastor).
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August 26, 2015This book moved me deeply. I wept as I read. God grant us great grace to finish half as well as Tom Carson.
July 1, 2025
I didn’t expect to cry, laugh, and be so deeply helped and challenged by this book. It may be the memoirs of an “ordinary” pastor, but what unfolds is a remarkable weaving of extraordinary grace in the ordinary patterns of Tom Carson’s life. What an edifying read.
In a world where young men—especially hopeful ministry leaders—are so often called to chase success measured by platform, numbers, or recognition, this work gently redirects these misguided aspirations. It encourages me to pray and pursue the ordinary—to long for faithfulness over fame and depth of devotion over display and recognition.
I’ll be recommending it to others in the future and reflecting on the meaningful lessons found in every chapter.
Carson ends with a line that powerfully sums up both the pastor and the point of the book:
“But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.’”
In a world where young men—especially hopeful ministry leaders—are so often called to chase success measured by platform, numbers, or recognition, this work gently redirects these misguided aspirations. It encourages me to pray and pursue the ordinary—to long for faithfulness over fame and depth of devotion over display and recognition.
I’ll be recommending it to others in the future and reflecting on the meaningful lessons found in every chapter.
Carson ends with a line that powerfully sums up both the pastor and the point of the book:
“But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.’”
August 21, 2024
Easily the most impactful book of the year so far. I cried hard through much of it. Faithfulness is what God expects of his ministers. Praise God and God Help Us.
August 24, 2020
This one will produce a few tears especially if you are in pastoral ministry. All of us in ministry know the weights and burdens Tom Carson carried as a pastor. While the British throne didn’t know who Tom Carson was, the Eternal Throne did. I regret having this book on my shelf for a few years before reading it. It’ll be one I return to. Pick it up and read! Laugh and cry as D.A. Carson sketches out the ministry of his father.
June 23, 2023
Good reading, especially for aspiring ministers who may have, albeit subconsciously, gathered their images around the notion of “success” from celebrity church culture and know too few normal pastors.
October 12, 2023
This was great. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about an ordinary faithful pastor with an ordinary life of ministry. Carson did well to narrate the life of his father and this book would be a benefit to all who read it, pastor or not.
I could not help but fix the face of my father in law on Tom Carson as I read this. There are a crazy amount of similarities between these two men and in their ministry. I have gotten a beautiful glimpse into the life of an ordinary pastor here at baker heights and a volume similar to this could be written about him with subsequent glories.
My prayer after reading this:
Father thank you for ordinary faithful pastors— make me one
I could not help but fix the face of my father in law on Tom Carson as I read this. There are a crazy amount of similarities between these two men and in their ministry. I have gotten a beautiful glimpse into the life of an ordinary pastor here at baker heights and a volume similar to this could be written about him with subsequent glories.
My prayer after reading this:
Father thank you for ordinary faithful pastors— make me one
May 16, 2024
A beautiful book for pastors who feel like they can never be enough.
I wept.
I wept.
January 25, 2026
Found the first part a bit slow but as the book moved on there were lovely reflections on a small but faithful ministry, the unglamorous hard work of gospel service. Carson’s recollections of his parents dying was especially moving. A good reminder to be faithful in whatever God brings you.
July 26, 2023
Don Carson's provides a moving tribute to his father, Tom Carson, and his extraordinary faithfulness in ordinary ministries. Don is honest about his father's struggles with depression, loneliness, and caring for his wife with Alzheimer's. But he also shares the fruit of his ministry: patience with with his wife, love for his children, faithfulness to the Lord, and countless people he influenced throughout his life. (Although not mentioned in the book, one of Tom's great contributions to the church is Don -- and all God has done through him.)
I read this with our pastoral interns in Brazil.
I read this with our pastoral interns in Brazil.
May 12, 2021
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. D.A Carson gives a very intimate and edifying account of his dad’s life, including the good and the ugly. It shows so well the immense value of ordinary faithfulness and integrity.
June 27, 2020
Such a precious book, not only for other ordinary pastors but for all who may think being ordinary Christians may not be enough. Shows how fruitful can be a small life, even if lacking confidence.
September 30, 2020
I wanted to give it four stars, but then I thought y'know, it was wholesome and encouraging, and it made me cry, so what more could I ask, really.
January 9, 2025
Having spent some time in vocational ministry and having grown up the son of a man in vocational ministry, this book was haunting and beautiful. Tom Carson was an ordinary pastor with an extraordinary work ethic. He did carpentry for the baptistery, hand-wrote or typed thousands of letters, prepared sermons, visited the sick, did pastoral and pre-marital counseling, did not feel neglected by his children, took care of his wife in her waning years with Alzheimer's, and much more.
The hardest parts to read were either the wrongful holding of funds from the Union for the church planting work in Drummondville or Tom's wrestlings with self-doubt, self-deprecation, and fear of laziness. For a man who poured out so much into the lives of others, it was hard to see him not give himself grace.
Favorite Quotes:
"His prayer life is a challenge and rebuke to most of us" (30).
"On at least one occasion Tom traveled the 280 miles from Toronto to Ottawa for a visit home by riding his bicycle: it took him three days, and he slept in barns along the way" (30).
"Mom mentioned to me how interested I can appear when the topic is important to me, but how I obviously tuned out my friend when she spoke of things that mattered to her but that I didn't care about. Although I resented her analysis at the time, I soon took a second look at what she said and realized that it was all too true. The memory of those words has helped me greatly over the years when I see myself reverting to this un-Christlike behavior" (32).
"He who would have friends must show himself friendly. At the next meeting, before you go into a sulk, look around for the loneliest person in the room, and go and find out everything you can about that person. Then find the next loneliest person, and do it again." (33).
"Our four years of experience trying to cover the huge area of greater Montreal has convinced us of the necessity of concentrating our efforts on a given centre in order to do French work most effectively" (50).
"Help me, Lord, to put away everything that does not contribute to living for Jesus" (81).
"So little time properly to prepare, but God is with me" (88).
"So many aspects of ministry demand excellence, and there are not enough hours in the day to be excellent in all of them... It is rare for me to finish a sermon without feeling somewhere between slightly discouraged and moderately depressed that I have not preached with more unction, that I have not articulated these glorious truths more powerfully and with greater insight, and so forth. But I cannot allow that to drive me to despair; rather, it must drive me to a greater grasp of the simple and profound truth that we preach and visit and serve under the gospel of grace, and God accepts us because of his Son... The ministry is so open-ended that one never feels that all possible work has been done, or done as well as one might like. There are always more people to visit, more studying to be done, more preparation to do. What Christians must do, what Christian leaders must do, is constantly remember that we serve our God and Maker and Redeemer under the gospel of grace. Dad's diaries show that he understood this truth in theory... but quite frankly, his sense of failure sometimes blinded him to the glory of gospel freedom" (93).
"Work hard, and play hard, but never confuse the two" (93).
"The brute fact is that Tom functioned better as a number-two pastor than the senior man" (116).
The hardest parts to read were either the wrongful holding of funds from the Union for the church planting work in Drummondville or Tom's wrestlings with self-doubt, self-deprecation, and fear of laziness. For a man who poured out so much into the lives of others, it was hard to see him not give himself grace.
Favorite Quotes:
"His prayer life is a challenge and rebuke to most of us" (30).
"On at least one occasion Tom traveled the 280 miles from Toronto to Ottawa for a visit home by riding his bicycle: it took him three days, and he slept in barns along the way" (30).
"Mom mentioned to me how interested I can appear when the topic is important to me, but how I obviously tuned out my friend when she spoke of things that mattered to her but that I didn't care about. Although I resented her analysis at the time, I soon took a second look at what she said and realized that it was all too true. The memory of those words has helped me greatly over the years when I see myself reverting to this un-Christlike behavior" (32).
"He who would have friends must show himself friendly. At the next meeting, before you go into a sulk, look around for the loneliest person in the room, and go and find out everything you can about that person. Then find the next loneliest person, and do it again." (33).
"Our four years of experience trying to cover the huge area of greater Montreal has convinced us of the necessity of concentrating our efforts on a given centre in order to do French work most effectively" (50).
"Help me, Lord, to put away everything that does not contribute to living for Jesus" (81).
"So little time properly to prepare, but God is with me" (88).
"So many aspects of ministry demand excellence, and there are not enough hours in the day to be excellent in all of them... It is rare for me to finish a sermon without feeling somewhere between slightly discouraged and moderately depressed that I have not preached with more unction, that I have not articulated these glorious truths more powerfully and with greater insight, and so forth. But I cannot allow that to drive me to despair; rather, it must drive me to a greater grasp of the simple and profound truth that we preach and visit and serve under the gospel of grace, and God accepts us because of his Son... The ministry is so open-ended that one never feels that all possible work has been done, or done as well as one might like. There are always more people to visit, more studying to be done, more preparation to do. What Christians must do, what Christian leaders must do, is constantly remember that we serve our God and Maker and Redeemer under the gospel of grace. Dad's diaries show that he understood this truth in theory... but quite frankly, his sense of failure sometimes blinded him to the glory of gospel freedom" (93).
"Work hard, and play hard, but never confuse the two" (93).
"The brute fact is that Tom functioned better as a number-two pastor than the senior man" (116).
November 18, 2025
I had such a slow start on this book….lots of random details but I think that’s kinda the point. Tom’s story is simply an example of faithfulness and a testimony to the goodness of God.
Loved this: “He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists.”
Loved this: “He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists.”
January 5, 2026
We read this for our Pastor’s Retreat this year and it provided all you would hope for in discussion of the pastoral life and calling, conflict, success and failure, and legacy. Carson writes admirably, even if not uncritically in the right places, of his father. He was an ordinary pastor still having an extraordinary impact.
April 11, 2025
From the last paragraph:
“Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday‘s grace was never enough. He was not a farsighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity. … His journals have many, many entries bathed in tears of contrition, but his children and grandchildren remember his laughter. He much preferred to avoid controversy than to stir things up, but his own commitments to historic confessionalism were unyielding.”
“Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday‘s grace was never enough. He was not a farsighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity. … His journals have many, many entries bathed in tears of contrition, but his children and grandchildren remember his laughter. He much preferred to avoid controversy than to stir things up, but his own commitments to historic confessionalism were unyielding.”
January 27, 2026
I ugly cried the last fifteen pages of this book. What a wonderful testament of a faithful laborer. Tom Carson’s life sets a model for how to faithfully pursue the Lord through prayer, word, and deed no matter the ‘success’ of ministry. Tom Carson loved God, the Bible, his family, and God’s people
February 2, 2026
Sweet biography by a thankful son. Lots of info that was a drawn out but I understand why. I appreciate more D.A. Carson history now.
January 20, 2024
Today, many young Christians feel external pressure to do something big or radical to make their life count for the Kingdom. Don Carson’s biography of his dad is motivation for the opposite. It’s a beautiful testimony of ordinary faithfulness, perseverance, and humility in ministry through the many ups and downs of life - all pointing to the sustaining grace and love of God.
July 31, 2020
I give the book—certainly not the man, Tom Carson—three stars. The man was exceptional. He worked extremely hard, was humble in Christ, and loved deeply his family and Lord. Moreover, his example of consistent, life-long service to Christ and others is admirable and imitable. His life was God-glorifying and beautiful.
So why only three stars? Again, not because Tom Carson isn’t worthy of honor; he is. But because I was a bit disappointed in reading the book, and especially in the idea that Tom was an “ordinary pastor.”
First, concerning the reading of the book. I love D.A. Carson as a teacher, theologian, writer, and commentator. Yet this book was a bit too detailed at times, very slow, and honestly boring to read. Now, I admit, I don’t usually love biographies, so that made this hard from the get-go for me. But still, with all the details, it felt like the book was more written toward people who knew Tom or who were interested in the situation in Quebec, instead of being written to a broad audience. And again, it bogged it down.
Second, concerning the idea of Tom being an ordinary pastor, I just don’t see that at all! Carson had some good applications from Tom’s life to “ordinary pastors,” but in realty, I think Tom Carson was far from ordinary. Some examples of why include: He was bilingual and that had a huge impact on his ministry; he worked a ridiculous amount of hours, often so many that I was shocked (and as Don admitted, it was frequently a detriment); and he wasn’t consistently on staff at a church, but often did loads of ministry without pay. (And all that doesn’t even mention that one of his sons also became one of the world’s top Bible scholars!)
I don’t think these take away from Don’s life; far from it, they add to his imitability! It’s merely that if someone, say an actual ordinary pastor, were to pick up this book for encouragement, I think they may find it not encouraging as they expected. Stirring? Absolutely. Challenging to their lack of fervor for the Lord? For sure. But encouraging in their ordinariness? I doubt it.
So he’s an exemplary man. But the book is not the best read, and not what I expected.
So why only three stars? Again, not because Tom Carson isn’t worthy of honor; he is. But because I was a bit disappointed in reading the book, and especially in the idea that Tom was an “ordinary pastor.”
First, concerning the reading of the book. I love D.A. Carson as a teacher, theologian, writer, and commentator. Yet this book was a bit too detailed at times, very slow, and honestly boring to read. Now, I admit, I don’t usually love biographies, so that made this hard from the get-go for me. But still, with all the details, it felt like the book was more written toward people who knew Tom or who were interested in the situation in Quebec, instead of being written to a broad audience. And again, it bogged it down.
Second, concerning the idea of Tom being an ordinary pastor, I just don’t see that at all! Carson had some good applications from Tom’s life to “ordinary pastors,” but in realty, I think Tom Carson was far from ordinary. Some examples of why include: He was bilingual and that had a huge impact on his ministry; he worked a ridiculous amount of hours, often so many that I was shocked (and as Don admitted, it was frequently a detriment); and he wasn’t consistently on staff at a church, but often did loads of ministry without pay. (And all that doesn’t even mention that one of his sons also became one of the world’s top Bible scholars!)
I don’t think these take away from Don’s life; far from it, they add to his imitability! It’s merely that if someone, say an actual ordinary pastor, were to pick up this book for encouragement, I think they may find it not encouraging as they expected. Stirring? Absolutely. Challenging to their lack of fervor for the Lord? For sure. But encouraging in their ordinariness? I doubt it.
So he’s an exemplary man. But the book is not the best read, and not what I expected.
September 2, 2024
“he was not very good at putting people down, expect on his prayer lists.”
may God raise up many more faithful, ordinary pastors like Tom Carson
…
read this again for DeYoung’s Pastoral Ministry class. I’d like to revisit the life of Tom Carson at least once per decade of however long God grants me service in Christian ministry
may God raise up many more faithful, ordinary pastors like Tom Carson
…
read this again for DeYoung’s Pastoral Ministry class. I’d like to revisit the life of Tom Carson at least once per decade of however long God grants me service in Christian ministry
October 28, 2025
Just wonderful! Such a moving account of a faithful pastor ministering under the radar in difficult circumstances. Much needed in the age of celebrity pastors and ministries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hgr9...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hgr9...
March 1, 2025
One of the most beautiful biographies I’ve read! After finishing this book, I realized there’s nothing ordinary about Tom Carson’s life. While he lived as an ordinary pastor—never publishing a book or academic paper, never pastoring a large congregation, and never receiving widespread recognition—his commitment to daily faithfulness is extraordinarily inspiring. His life wasn’t perfect. He had seasons when he missed journaling, struggled with church administration, and found it difficult to ask for and receive help from others, especially in his final years. Yet, the way he faithfully endured in ministry, despite numerous challenges—cultural and language barriers, financial struggles, slow conversions, his wife’s illness, and lack of pastoral support—is truly remarkable. D.A. Carson does an excellent job honoring his father’s legacy, shedding light on even the most unseen aspects of his life, such as his personal meditations and journals.
Tom Carson fought to keep his mind focused on the Savior and remained faithful to the Word, showing tenderness toward both his flock and his family. His unwavering commitment to love and care for his wife until her final day is a beautiful testament to his deep love and faithfulness.
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in the book was Tom Carson’s death. After all his years of service as a vocational and non-vocational pastor, father, husband, and friend, he died in his hospital bed, alone, suffering from illness. I couldn’t help but think how this scene felt symbolic. This is sometimes the reality for pastors—loneliness is real, and despite how much they pour into others, they may not always receive much in return. Who can track the internal struggles of a pastor as he endures day after day, week after week, and year after year? He studies and teaches the Word faithfully, loves the flock with Christ’s heart—even when it’s difficult—and strives to maintain hope even in the midst of discouragement, criticism, comparison, and feelings of inadequacy. The Apostle Paul, too, experienced desertion by fellow workers. Most of all, our Lord Jesus Christ endured betrayal and abandonment like no one else. Our commitment to follow Him in ministry will inevitably lead us to face similar struggles.
Yet, do we truly believe that the rewards awaiting us in heaven will far outweigh the treasures of this earth? Do we trust that meeting Christ will completely wipe away the pains of this world and satisfy our souls? Do we accept that our names may be forgotten, even in sin, but Christ’s name will never be forgotten through our faithful ministry?
After finishing this book, who could see such clear evidence of grace in Tom Carson’s life and still call it ordinary? Brother pastors, there is nothing ordinary in your daily, seemingly mundane ministry. Perhaps the letter to the Ephesians reminds us of the importance of cherishing the gospel and enduring through the ordinary moments of our lives.
What a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness in the mundane and the unseen. This book serves as a great encouragement and reminder that our good Lord faithfully raises and sustains shepherds who resemble Him well, even when we feel alone and struggle to find fellow gospel workers.
Tom Carson fought to keep his mind focused on the Savior and remained faithful to the Word, showing tenderness toward both his flock and his family. His unwavering commitment to love and care for his wife until her final day is a beautiful testament to his deep love and faithfulness.
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in the book was Tom Carson’s death. After all his years of service as a vocational and non-vocational pastor, father, husband, and friend, he died in his hospital bed, alone, suffering from illness. I couldn’t help but think how this scene felt symbolic. This is sometimes the reality for pastors—loneliness is real, and despite how much they pour into others, they may not always receive much in return. Who can track the internal struggles of a pastor as he endures day after day, week after week, and year after year? He studies and teaches the Word faithfully, loves the flock with Christ’s heart—even when it’s difficult—and strives to maintain hope even in the midst of discouragement, criticism, comparison, and feelings of inadequacy. The Apostle Paul, too, experienced desertion by fellow workers. Most of all, our Lord Jesus Christ endured betrayal and abandonment like no one else. Our commitment to follow Him in ministry will inevitably lead us to face similar struggles.
Yet, do we truly believe that the rewards awaiting us in heaven will far outweigh the treasures of this earth? Do we trust that meeting Christ will completely wipe away the pains of this world and satisfy our souls? Do we accept that our names may be forgotten, even in sin, but Christ’s name will never be forgotten through our faithful ministry?
After finishing this book, who could see such clear evidence of grace in Tom Carson’s life and still call it ordinary? Brother pastors, there is nothing ordinary in your daily, seemingly mundane ministry. Perhaps the letter to the Ephesians reminds us of the importance of cherishing the gospel and enduring through the ordinary moments of our lives.
What a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness in the mundane and the unseen. This book serves as a great encouragement and reminder that our good Lord faithfully raises and sustains shepherds who resemble Him well, even when we feel alone and struggle to find fellow gospel workers.
August 10, 2025
Amazing
“Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people in the Outaouais and beyond testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday’s grace was never enough. He was not a far sighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity... His journals have many, many entries bathed in tears of contrition, but his children and grandchildren remember his laughter. Only rarely did he break through his pattern of reserve and speak deeply and intimately with his children, but he modeled Christian virtues to them…He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists.
When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.” (147)
“Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people in the Outaouais and beyond testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday’s grace was never enough. He was not a far sighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity... His journals have many, many entries bathed in tears of contrition, but his children and grandchildren remember his laughter. Only rarely did he break through his pattern of reserve and speak deeply and intimately with his children, but he modeled Christian virtues to them…He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists.
When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.” (147)
March 26, 2025
One of the hardest books on pastoral ministry I’ve ever read—and one of the best. Every pastor and pastor’s kid should read it. D.A. Carson’s biography on his father features biblical reflections on the struggles and successes of his dad’s ministry, plus extensive quotes from his dad’s private journals
Beyond that—frankly—I struggle to share more. It’s simply too hard. This is a touching work. I’ll end with this paragraph Don Carson writes about Tom Carson, the ordinary pastor:
“When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Beyond that—frankly—I struggle to share more. It’s simply too hard. This is a touching work. I’ll end with this paragraph Don Carson writes about Tom Carson, the ordinary pastor:
“When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”
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