Remaining Faithful in Ministry – John MacArthur (2019)

John MacArthur, Remaining Faithful in Ministry (Wheaton: Crossway, 2019), 71 pp.

The mandate to finish strong is the calling of every follower of Christ. Men called to pastoral ministry must carefully heed this call, which is the theme of John MacArthur’s most recent book, Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor.

As his life and ministry drew to a close, Paul the apostle wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). The former blasphemer completed his mission on this earth and glorified the Lord both in his life and in his death.

Aspiring to remain faithful is one thing. But actually finishing strong is quite another. Tragically, pastoral failure commonplace, only bringing shame and reproach on the church.

Dr. MacArthur argues that pastors need to shore up their convictions, which help them be faithful in ministry:

1. Convinced of the Superiority of the New Covenant
2. Convinced That Ministry is Mercy
3. Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart
4. Convinced of the Need to Preach the Word Faithfully
5. Convinced That the Results Belong to God
6. Convinced of His Own Insignificance
7. Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering
8. Convinced of the Need for Courage
9. Convinced That Future Glory is Better than Anything This World Could Offer

MacArthur briefly explains each conviction. Each chapter is a short, Scripture-soaked spur for pastors who aspire to be faithful ministers. Frankly, every man who intends to finish strong in the Christian race should read Remaining Faithful in Ministry. While the author focuses on pastors in particular, the principles are immediately transferable to all followers of Jesus Christ.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.