The Kingdom-Minded Pastor: How Pastoral Partnership Advances the Kingdom

Joel Littlefield's short, highly practical book will inspire pastors to develop coalitions, for their own good, to strengthen the local church, and advance the Kingdom of God.

Joel Littlefield wants to see God at work in his community, and invites other pastors to share the vision: for men, women and children to surrender to the lordship of Christ through the regenerating work of the Spirit; for new churches to be planted and declining churches revitalised; for congregations to be about the work of making disciples of Christ. Pastors with this gospel-minded mindset can be hugely helped in this way: by forming coalitions with other like-minded local pastors.

Littlefield argues that in cultivating friendships and fellowship with one another, pastors will not only build one another up, but will benefit their own churches, and the work of the gospel in their local community.

With very practical guidance on how to go about forming these alliances for joint action, Littlefield helps identify the important qualities to look for in coalition members, and inspires readers to see how leading by example is crucial, and being a disciple is as important as making disciples.

A short read, filled with wisdom and encouragement for the pastor who feels alone, discouraged, or like ministry might be better shoulder to shoulder with their brothers.

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Chapter headings include:

• Something Needs to Change
• A Kingdom Vision
• Bringing People to the Table
• Healthy Leaders and Healthy Churches
• A Kingdom-Minded Mission
• Looking Back

Author:

Joel and his family planted New City Church in Bath, Maine where he has been the lead pastor since 2017. He has been married to his wife Callie since 2003, and together they have 4 children. Joel is a regional leader for The Pillar Network, a SEND Network church planter trainer, and the author of Beeline to the Cross: For Salvation and all of Life.

Endorsements:

… offers practical guidance for creating healthy, Christ-centered, and edifying pastoral coalitions. May the irenic spirit of which Littlefield speaks prevail in our day for the sake of Christ and His kingdom!
--Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

… a gift to those who operate as lone rangers. Make time to read it, and make time to do it … for the Kingdom.
--Liam Garvie, Associate Pastor, Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh, Scotland

The kingdom of Christ is bigger than your church, pastor. Joel Littlefield's enthusiasm for pastors partnering together just may point you to a crucial aspect of kingdom ministry you've missed.
--Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director, 9Marks

… a groundbreaking, yet ageless guide for pastors, urging them to unite with like-minded peers to foster vibrant, flourishing communities of faith springing forth from their own dedication to kingdom living.
--Robert Smith Jr., Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

This book calls pastors to prepare for this reality by forming friendships-forming brotherhoods-with other pastors, so together they can bless, equip, and encourage one another. I believe every pastor will benefit from reading it and following its counsel.
--Tim Challies, Author, Seasons of Sorrow

… cuts to the chase and gives workable strategies for building a coalition of pastors in a local community who will join arms to multiply gospel work. I encourage you to read this book and to put its message into practice.
--Phillip Newton, Director of Pastoral Care and Mentoring, The Pillar Network Wake Forest, North Carolina; author, 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry

When the church is facing an epidemic of discouragement, Joel calls us to the readily available vaccine of kingdom-minded togetherness. I have a sense that this may spark off a renewed movement of doctrinally-aligned and missionally-driven pastors.
--David Meredith, Mission Director, Free Church of Scotland, Inverness

This book will show you both the importance and the how of forming a group of likeminded men for the fight we engage as ministers of Christ. Take it to heart and put it into action.
--Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

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