“Congregations are shrinking and in decline in the United States and elsewhere” (xiii). Michael Plekon (Emeritus Professor of Baruch College), begins the introduction to his new book, Ministry Matters, with this matter-of-fact statement, not to frighten Christ-followers or cause undue despair, but to set the stage for us to see clearly the work God is doing in the Church today. It is apparent to most people that we are living in anxious, even perilous, times; however, according to Plekon, there is hope for resurrection from death. This is one of the themes of Plekon’s previous book, Community as Church, Church as Community (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2021), which carries over, in part, to Ministry Matters. Although the two books complement each other, Plekon’s latest work moves on from inquiry about church decline to inquiring about “the vocation, lives, and work of pastors today” (xiii).

There are two major ideas running through the book: that “pastors are among us to bring God to the people and the people to God” (xv, 15 times in alternate forms), and “we will listen” to others (xvi, also another 52 times in alternate forms). That Plekon gives these ideas a place of prominence in his research should be enough to inform the reader as to where this book is leading them. God in Christ remains at the centre of the Church, and we, whether ordained or lay, must be willing to listen closely to others who have something to say about being fellow servants in the service of the Lord Jesus and our neighbours. For this study, Plekon chose several well-known pastor-theologians to listen to and engage with: George Keith, Nicholas Afanasiev, Cathie Caimano, C. Andrew Doyle, David Barnhart, Andrew Root, Sam Wells, Barbara Brown Taylor, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sarah Coakley, Rowan Williams, Henri Nouwen, Pope Francis, and Will Willimon.

So, to return to one of the main ideas that Plekon’s friend, George Keith, developed in one of his sermons, an answer to “what is a priest?” is provided in a simple, yet profound way: “someone who takes God to the people and the people to God” (15). For the author, this is the “most fundamental” characterization of a priest’s function (16). But this definition is just the beginning of a journey through the ministries of Plekon’s other conversation partners. From Pope Francis’s appeal to all clergy that they should have “the smell of the sheep” (126), to Rowan Williams’s understanding of the ordained “as a witness to God’s solidarity with us” (108), Plekon provides his readers with a veritable treasure trove of valuable insights into what it looks like to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century.

I have read slowly, listened carefully to each voice, and continue to reflect deeply as a means to learn well and dismantle a plethora of biases. Coming from a rather conservative, Protestant background, I found some of the material foreign, other parts challenging, and a few sections somewhat deficient. If you are of a similar ilk, then you may understand and agree; otherwise, you will be hard-pressed to find fault with this book. For example, a Protestant reader unfamiliar with tradition-specific terminology such as icon, priest, rite, parish, or Eucharist may feel a bit lost while traversing the pages. Some may be challenged in mind and spirit when they read about Sarah Coakley’s experience with transcendental meditation (99), or Plekon’s inclusion of Latter Day Saints as members of the body of Christ (67), or Will Willimon’s insistence that there are no “‘ungodly’ forces [that] have declared war on Christianity” (152). Finally, given the limitations of space and the nature of research, Plekon did not listen to Baptists or Pentecostals, two large and stable groups whose voices would have added much to the overall conversation. Regardless, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom regarding the multifaceted experiences of the ordained. I strongly suggest that it to be read and digested by any Christ-follower who has an interest in the Church and the ordained, and who believe that ministry still matters—especially in a season of congregational shrinkage and church decline. The need for faithful pastors and laity is greater than ever before.

Reviewed by Joseph R. Fiorentino

Publisher’s page: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666789959/ministry-matters/

This review also appeared in Didaskalia: The Journal of Providence Theological Seminary, Volume 32, pp. 121-124 (2025), ISSN #0847-1266.

Myles Werntz, “You Don’t Need a Rule of Life: What you need is a church” Christianity Today (October 10, 2024).

Paraclete journal now available online

The Consortium of Pentecostal Archives has made the quarterly journal gratis available online. Paraclete (1967-1995) was a journal of practical theology for Assemblies of God pastors (replaced by Enrichment). Emphasizing the person and work of the Holy Spirit, articles covered Bible exposition, theology, and history. All 112 issues may be browsed and are available for full-text searches.

Brad East, “The Loosening of American Evangelicalism” Christianity Today (May 20, 2025).

This look into the current state of Evangelicalism’s morality in the USA is subtitled, “Long-standing norms against drinking, tattoos, and Catholic-coded church practices have rapidly fallen. What’s going on?” Many Pentecostal/charismatics may see similar patterns in their own churches, whether or not they consider themselves part of Evangelicalism with a capital E.

In case you missed it: Craig Keener, “How to Succeed at Suffering: Lessons from the Gospel of Mark” Influence (February 14, 2024).

Jared Michelson, “Why Choose the Path of the Pastor?: Despite fewer pursuing pastoral roles today, the vocation provides the unique privilege of making a profound impact by sharing oneself with others” Christianity Today (May 15, 2025).

Chad Harvey, “From Cessationist to Pentecostal: Discovering the Spirit’s transforming power” Influence (Spring 2025).

PR

Jack Hayford is certainly one of the most well-known and highly respected ministers in the modern Pentecostal Movement. He has served in pastoral leadership, written Christian music and books, served his denomination, spoken internationally, started a school, and mentored pastors. The author of this book, S. David Moore, citing Christianity Today, notes that the magazine referred to Hayford as “the Pentecostal gold Standard” (page 21). Hayford’s extensive ministry, accomplishments, and impact make this book an important volume in Pentecostal history.

As the subtitle indicates this is an authorized biography. In the foreword Pastor Robert Morris tells us that S. David Moore has known Jack Hayford since 1984 (page 11). Moore has done interviews with Pastor Jack and was given access to Hayford’s journals and personal papers (pages 11, 13). The author also draws from other written materials by and about Hayford. Drawing on all of these resources the author is able to provide a very personal look at the life of this prominent pastor.

The book provides the reader with a panoramic view of the life of Jack Hayford. It contains information about his childhood. He was born into a family that was not very stable. During the first four years of their marriage his parents were separated four times (page 34). This was because the two of them had very different views about things (page 34). Jack was born into this environment. Before his parents became Christians he experienced physical healing. Though he was not brought to the church service a Foursquare congregation prayed for the healing of an injury he had received at birth, and he was healed (pages 34-35). The doctor who had been treating him admitted that God had healed young Jack (page 35). Fortunately, his parents became Christians not too long after that (page 35). Jack also was healed of paralysis in one of his legs, again because of prayer (page 36).

All, however, was not well after his parents became believers. For a number of years his father did not go to church, this resulted in his mother staying home as well (pages 42-43, 45). But his father eventually rededicated his life to the Lord (page 46). His mother taught him to listen for the Lord to speak to him (page 47). She also taught him that nobody has a corner on the truth (pages 79-80). Jack became a Christian at the age of ten (page 53). When he was in high school he surrendered his life to a call to ministry (page 55-56). This is something he had told the Lord he would do when he was younger, if the Lord would help him find a lost magazine (page 53). He already knew what God wanted him to do (page 53).

The majority of the book deals with Hayford’s life in ministry, which is certainly what most people know him for. I would venture to guess that most people know him for his many books, being the pastor of The Church on the Way (page 18), or the writer of the popular worship song “Majesty” (page 20). Under his leadership the Church on the Way grew from 18 to over 10,000 in weekly attendance (page 18).

As I mentioned in the first paragraph, Hayford has carried on a very diverse ministry. Perhaps one of the lesser-known aspects of his ministry was his service to the Foursquare denomination. He served the church as the National Youth Director (pages 108-109) and as the Dean of Students and the Director of Promotion at Life Bible College (page 117). It is worth noting that even when he was a younger minister he was not afraid to address his superiors about things that he thought could and should be improved (pages 119-121). He later served as the President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (page 277).

Later in his ministry, he became a pastor to pastors; a ministry that he was very good at (pages 213-219). One of his great legacies is that he is respected by people within not only the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements but also those outside of it (page 215). The foundations for this may date back to his childhood. When he was growing up, he was exposed to multiple denominations including: “Friends, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian Missionary Alliance” (page 43). His mother’s statement that no one has a corner on the truth (pages 79-80) may also have helped him accept, and be accepted, by those outside of his own church background.

Today we view Jack Hayford as a great success. But he had times of trial and challenge just like everyone else. The book is very open and honest and mentions his struggles: temptations, fear, and depression (pages 72-73, 110-114, 216). In the midst of his success he has been able to remain humble. This is because he was able to understand that his success was ultimately because of God.

One incident near the beginning of the book demonstrates this. At the time, Hayford had a church of about 100 people (page 17). One day as he was preparing to leave the church building, he noticed an unusual sight in the sanctuary. There was a mist there (page 16), a sign of God’s glory (page 17). Hayford’s church began to grow after the appearance of that mist (page 17). He understood that the church’s growth was due to “the gift of God’s presence” (page 155). Pastor Jack was a man of the Word, the Spirit, and humility. May his example inspire other Christian leaders to follow the same path. Not everyone will achieve the same results, but these are truly qualities that God desires in His servants.

Reviewed by John Lathrop

Becoming spiritually successful in ministry means becoming a spiritual shepherd.

Psalm 23:5

… You anoint my head with oil …

Luke 10:34

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.

The search for becoming a successful minister in a successful ministry appears to be a fundamental task to all ministerial fields of study. The answer to that quest is allusive in that the remedy changes with the symptoms. The body of Christ appears to go through phases where the weakness in the church changes. The problem with the ministry, during that phase, is prognosticated and the diagnosis is proclaimed. Then an antidote is developed and administered across the country like a vaccine. The church, as it has for generations, works its way through its weakness to renew its strength. The next phase for the church arrives and the process is repeated. In this manner, the role of ministry and the focus of the pastoral task changes with each phase. The search for being spiritually successful can become an enigma in this form of evolutionary ministerial development. The quest still exists, “how do I become a spiritually successful minister?”

Image: Veronika Sulinska

The role of the minister is compared to that of the shepherd throughout the scriptures.

Shepherd:

Jesus the True: Foretold, Gen. 49:24; Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34:23; 37:24. The chief, 1 Pet. 5:4. The good, John 10:11, 14. The great, Mic. 5:4; Heb. 13:20. His sheep he knows, John 10:14, 27. He calls, John 10:3. He gathers, Isa. 40:11; John 10:16. He guides, Psa. 23:3; John 10:3, 4. He feeds, Psa. 23:1, 2; John 10:9. He cherishes tenderly, Isa. 40:11. He protects and preserves, Jer. 31:10; Ezek. 34:10; Zech. 9:16; John 10:28. He laid down his life for, Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31; John 10:11, 15; Acts 20:28. He gives eternal life to, John 10:28. Typified: David, 1 Sam. 16:11.

Shepherd:

One who cares for flocks, Gen. 31:38–40; Psa. 78:52, 53; Jer. 31:10; Amos 3:12; Luke 2:8. David the, defends his flock against a lion and a bear, 1 Sam. 17:34, 35. Causes the flock to rest, Psa. 23:2; Song 1:7; Jer. 33:12. Numbers the flock, Lev. 27:32; Jer. 33:13. Knows his flock by name, John 10:3–5. Keeps the sheep and goats apart, Matt. 25:32. Waters the flocks, Gen. 29:2–10. Keeps the flocks in folds, Num. 32:16; 1 Sam. 24:3; 2 Sam. 7:8; John 10:1. Watch towers of, 2 Chr. 26:10; Mic. 4:8. Dogs of, Job 30:1. Was an abomination to the Egyptians, Gen. 46:34. Angels appeared to, Luke 2:8–20. From this biblical analogy the role of the shepherd, and thus the minister, can be depicted into four main categories: one who guides or gives direction, one who enables growth through feeding and watering, one who protects the flock from without and within, and one who helps mend the wounds of the flock or congregation. The ministerial task, however allusive it may appear, should be contextually extrapolated from these fundamental responsibilities. My struggle in developing a biblical model of a pastor has been in establishing a relationship that will facilitate the process of mending wounds. A part of the ministerial role is to be able to help the healing process of the congregation. My goal is to develop a healthy relationship where my congregation can say, “I need you to help heal my wounds. I know the process will hurt me, but I trust you.”

The problems that ministers face on a regular basis usually distract them or are a hindrance to their efforts in fulfilling the four main roles of a pastor. The majority of the problems affect the relationship between pastor and congregation. Some of the problems can be avoided if there are established healthy relationships. Others are unavoidable, but could have a healthy outcome if there is a healthy relationship. I believe in every instance there is the possibility not only to damage the relationship further, but also to strengthen the relationship through the tension of the conflict. Thus the quest for establishing a biblical model for successful pastoral ministry becomes entwined with relationships development.

Introducing Philip Mantofa: Pastor Philip Mantofa graduated from Columbia Bible College, in British Columbia, Canada, with a degree in theology. Since 1998, he has been serving Mawar Sharon Church, a growing church of 30,000 in Indonesia. Currently, he is one of the leaders of the Mawar Sharon denomination, which has a network of 70 local churches. He has brought more than 100,000 souls to Christ. His passion is to see nations encounter and experience the love of Jesus Christ and ignite fire in the younger generation to become pastors and spiritual leaders all over Asia. He and his wife have three children.

Pneuma: Please tell our readers how you came to know Jesus.

At one time I harbored a lot of hatred toward the Lord and toward myself. I was disappointed in my family, friends, and church. My days seemed dark. On one occasion I cursed the Lord, I challenged Him, and blasphemed Him. When I did this my heart began to beat fast and I collapsed. My heart was racing and I thought that I would die. My breathing became tight and I felt the presence of the Lord. He spoke to me and said “I love you.” When He said that my heartbeat became stable again and I stood up. Then I blasphemed Him again. This time I was thrown to the floor and my heart again began to beat frantically. Once again I felt the Lord’s presence and I cried like a baby because I heard Him again say that He loved me. I was on the floor screaming, “Why do you love me? I do not love You! Kill me now! Do it now while I hate You! Punish me now!” I rejected God’s love. I blasphemed a third time, again my breath was constricted and I was thrown to the floor. Once again His presence came to me and I heard a voice in my heart say as though crying “I love you.” After this my heartbeat once again became normal.

After these experiences I decided that if the Lord would not kill me then I would kill myself. No one knew of my plans to kill myself. Twice I planned to take my life but I could not do it because I thought of my family and how they would handle it. The third time I planned to kill myself I was interrupted by a phone call from my pastor’s wife and so I did not go through with it.

Two weeks later I went to church. I had a sense that there was going to be an altar call to receive Christ and I prepared to leave the service. I stood and started moving toward the exit. As I was reaching for the door knob I heard a man’s voice in my ear, it was very firm and loud. It was an audible voice. The voice said, “Philip, if you are not saved today, you will be lost forever.” There was no one standing near me, I then realized that it was the voice of God. I immediately ran to the front of the church and lifted my hands. I cried and cried. I also saw a very bright light. At this time I heard an audible voice speaking to me in English. The voice said, “I am Jesus and I love you.” I asked the Lord to let me die for Him. He told me to live for Him. That day He touched me and I was changed.