An Ordinary Pastor

God uses people to fulfill his great work in the world. And sometimes these people become well known. They are very influential, and they see much fruit to their labours. We think of some like Martin Luther who shook the world with his ninety-five theses, or John Calvin, who blessed the church with the fruit of his studies. Then there are the Spurgeons and the Whitefields, the Martyn Lloyd Jones' and the Billy Grahams.


Although reading about these men can be inspiring, there is a way in which their stories, wonderful as they are, can discourage. Most of us have not seen such fruit, and when we hear of those who see more apparent success we can become despondent. One of the wonders in heaven will be to see all those unsung heroes of the faith - ones who laboured without seeing such fruit, but remained faithful in their post.


One such man is Tom Carson, father of the more renowned Don Carson, New Testament scholar, Bible teacher and prolific author. The renowned son has now given us a glimpse of his father's life by publishing Memoirs Of An Ordinary Pastor.


This man was not well known, and knew many struggles during his life. He ministered especially in French Quebec, and never saw the great popularity that we often associate with a successful ministry. He had his own frailties to live with, and the challenges of working in a day of small blessings. But he did so with that conviction that God had called him to faithfully sow the seed of the gospel in that particular part of the world. He accepted the changing circumstances of his life, such as the time when his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The family insight makes this book more than an account - it allows us to see somethiong of the heart of the man. We see his pain as he weeps for his flock, his integrity as he refuses to speak ill of others, his love as he cares for his wife, his God as he keeps his eye on his Saviour. The account of his passing into glory as a forgiven man who had lived for his Master is most moving.


This book under God may be a great blessing to many. If you are a pastor working without the apparent success of your contemporaries it will encourage you to keep on. If you are a preacher who knows much success in your work, then this book will humble you, and help you to gain a better perspective on your work. If you are a church member who feels frustrated with the lack of numbers in your congregation, then it will give you an insight into what counts before the throne of grace. It will encourage all of us to pray for those in the ministry. And it will make us thank God for the great variety of people called into the work of the Kingdom.

Details: Memoirs Of An Ordinary Pastor - The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson
Author: D. A. Carson
Crossway Books