Jonathan and James are excited about today’s episode, the first in a series discussing Albert Martin’s monumental three-volume work on pastoral theology, aptly titled Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. Albert Martin was one of the founding pastors of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, NJ, where he served for 46 years. During his time there, he taught pastoral theology at the Trinity Ministerial Academy from 1978 to 1998. Many expressed their desire to see these lectures printed, and after years of work, Trinity Pulpit Press is pleased to present the 3-volume series.

Jonathan and James are honored to be joined by David Chanski, Pastor Martin’s successor at Trinity Baptist Church and his stepson, to discuss this monumental work. Discover the significance of discerning a true call to ministry, the character, and spiritual formation necessary for a pastor, and the invaluable insights these books provide for both current and aspiring ministers. And be sure to tune in for the next two episodes of this series!

A sustained effectiveness in pastoral ministry will generally be realized in direct proportion to the health and vigor of the redeemed humanity of the man of God. – Albert Martin

Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to offer a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to our listeners! Enter here to win.

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Trinity Book Service is also graciously offering our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net savings of 40% off the list price)!

Jonathan and James explore the vital topic of church membership with guest, Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor and author. Together, they discuss why church membership is not only a biblical principle but also a profound blessing for believers despite its imperfections.

The person who is hurt the most by the church is the one who loves her the best, and that's Jesus Christ. And even knowing the failures of his followers and future leaders in the church, he still says to his disciples, says to his believers, says to Christians, that church is the place to be. -- Jonathan Cruse

Based on his new book, Church Membership, Jonathan Cruse addresses common objections and highlights the importance of commitment, accountability, and spiritual growth within the church community.

I'm not a joiner. But this is the one thing which I've always felt: I must be joined in membership to the local church. This is that one thing where membership is a must and membership matters. I think people are members of all sorts of things right now but that membership has such low-level obligations that it's just easy to transfer that mentality over into the church as well. – James Dolezal

For the opportunity to win a copy of Church Membership, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing, enter here.

Show Notes:

Church Membership by Jonathan Landry Cruse

https://reformedresources.org/church-membership-hardcover/

"How can I pick the right job?" This question is of utmost concern for many young people. But according to William Boekestein, pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, you don't need to choose a job that's "perfect for you." But you must be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life.

Your choices matter. You have real agency, real responsibility to choose wisely. – William Boekestein

Today, Jonathan and James sit down with Bill to discuss his insightful new book, Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling, and the everyday challenges young people face, including apathy, ambivalence, anxiety, and ambition. How can Scripture guide us in understanding God's sovereignty and our responsibility to make wise decisions about our future?

God does the calling and the appointing. He has a plan that is good for his children. – William Boekestein

This episode offers valuable advice for anyone – young and old alike – grappling with questions of vocation and purpose.

For the opportunity to win a copy of Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling," thanks to the generosity of Reformed Free Publishing, enter here.

Show Notes:

Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein

https://reformedresources.org/finding-my-vocation-a-guide-for-young-people-seeking-a-calling-paperback/