Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson

The Triumphs and Trials of an Ordinary Pastor During a Forgotten Era of Church History

D. A. Carson’s father was a pioneering church-planter and pastor in Quebec. He ministered during a transformative era for French Canada, navigating the harsh realities of persecution and imprisonment faced by Baptist ministers, and ultimately witnessing the spectacular growth and revival in the 1970s. 

Through Tom Carson’s journals and written prayers, along with the narrative and historical background provided by his son, readers gain a firsthand account of the life of an ordinary pastor during a pivotal era in North American church history. 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.

• Biographical: Includes journal entries, written prayers, and the narrative and historical context of Tom Carson’s life
• An Unexplored Narrative: This story and era are largely unfamiliar to many in the English-speaking world
• Written by D. A. Carson: Tom Carson’s son, cofounder and theologian-at-large of the Gospel Coalition, and author or editor of nearly 200 books

Contents:

Chapter 1: O Canada! A Sketch of Québec 
Chapter 2: Tom Carson: Beginnings of Life and Ministry
Chapter 3: French Work in Montréal
Chapter 4: Crisis 
Chapter 5: The Early Drummondville Years
Chapter 6: Discouragement, Despair, and a Vow 
Chapter 7: Civil Servant and Minister of the Gospel 
Chapter 8: Pressing On: Transformation and Growth 
Chapter 9: Marg’s Alzheimer Years
Chapter 10: Ending Well: Final Ministry and Promotion to Glory

Appendix: The Letter of 5 May 1948

Author:

D. A. Carson (PhD, Cambridge University) is Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is a cofounder and theologian-at-large of the Gospel Coalition and has written and edited nearly two hundred books. He and his wife, Joy, have two children and live in the north suburbs of Chicago.

Endorsements:

“How can the application of a Bible-saturated mind (Don’s) to a Bible-saturated life (Tom’s) produce an even more helpful story to encourage pastors? Let the ‘mind’ be carried on a river of love because the ‘life’ is his father’s. Then add a kind of narrative creativity you didn’t know Don Carson had. That’s how.”
—John Piper, Founder and Teacher, desiringGod.org; Chancellor, Bethlehem College & Seminary; author, Desiring God 

“In a day when we honor megachurch pastors, it is refreshing to read this account of an ordinary pastor—representing the unsung heroes among us who do not aspire to greatness but rather to godliness and faithfulness. This account of Don Carson’s father gives us valuable insight into the life of a man who accepted the challenges of ministry with both integrity and grace, and in the telling of his story we are also treated to a rare insight into the life of a Protestant pastor in French Québec. This book is a powerful reminder that there are no little places if we are faithful to the God who called us. Read it to be blessed, challenged, and instructed in matters that really count.”
—Erwin W. Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus, The Moody Church, Chicago

“Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor is a deeply edifying and timely book. Faithfulness—not numbers, not ‘success,’ not novelty, not ‘relevance,’ but faithfulness—is the accrediting mark of gospel ministry, and that message comes through loud and clear from introduction to conclusion of this memoir. Reading it brought to mind the powerful words of Anna Waring: ‘content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.’ I found the content profoundly evocative and pastorally instructive. In a day and age of celebrity preachers and personality-driven ministries, it is utterly refreshing to be instructed and encouraged by the recounting of unfamous, lifelong, biblical fidelity in gospel labors. Read. Repent. Be encouraged. And then go thou and do likewise.”
—Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

Additional Information:

Cover: Softcover
Number of Pages: 176
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: 2025