The Path to Being a Pastor (Thai edition)

A man who’s been transformed by Christ and desires to preach the gospel might say he feels called to be a pastor.

This personal conviction, while heartfelt, doesn’t acknowledge important, challenging steps necessary to be a qualified leader. So where should full-time ministry begin?

In The Path to Being a Pastor, Bobby Jamieson explains why it’s better to emphasize “aspiration” over “calling” as men pursue the office of elder and encourages listeners to make sure they are pastorally gifted before considering the role. He shares from his own 11-year experience preparing to be a pastor by walking potential leaders through different stages of ministry training, from practical steps — such as cultivating godly ambition and leadership, observing healthy churches, and mastering Scripture — to personal advice on building a strong family and succeeding in seminary. 

Emphasizing the importance of prayer, godly counsel, and immersion in the local church, Jamieson encourages men to ask Am I qualified? instead of Am I called? when considering a life in ministry.

Contents

PART 1: FINDING THE PATH

Chapter 1: Say "I Aspire," Not "I'm Called" 

Chapter 2:  Aspire Humbly 

Chapter 3:  Seek Wisdom 

Chapter 4: 4 Make the Biblical Qualifications Your Compass 

PART 2: WALKING THE PATH

Chapter 5: Learn to Pastor from Faithful Pastors and Healthy Churches 

Chapter 6: Start Setting an Example 

Chapter 7: Elder before You Elder 

Chapter 8: Want to Be a Leader? Then Lead Something 

Chapter 9: Master and Be Mastered by Scripture 

Chapter 10: Take Every Teaching Opportunity You Can Get 

Chapter 11: Pinch Hit 

Chapter 12: Apprentice in the Craft of Preaching 

Chapter 13: Read for Life

Chapter 14: Give Yourself to Prayer

Chapter 15: Banish Pornography

Chapter 16: Marry Wisely

Chapter 17: Lay Down Your Life for Your Wife

Chapter 18: Pastor Your Children

Chapter 19: Study God's Blueprints for the Church

Chapter 20: Serve Outside the Spotlight

Chapter 21: If You Can, Make the Most of Seminary

Chapter 22: Improve Your Trials

Chapter 23: Filter

PART 3: APPROACHING THE DESTINATION

Chapter 24:  Slay and Resurrect Ambition

Chapter 25:  Be Careful Who You Work For

Chapter 26: Candidate Candidly

Chapter 27: Cherish Christ

Author

Bobby Jamieson (PhD, University of Cambridge) is the senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is the author of several books.