The purpose of this book is to provide a fresh, biblical basis for the role of pastors in a changing North American context and to encourage a compelling vision for how those called to serve as pastor might live that out in the context of local congregations. Foundational to this book is a conviction about the importance of the local church. Ministry is practiced in the local, the concrete, the ordinary, and the routine. Pastors serve in this embedded space--working to form a people into Christlikeness. This book seeks to brings two broad aspects of church life together, advocating for the role of pastors and other ministry leaders as an important catalyst for a worshipping, caring, discipling, and sending congregation. It bridges and critiques the two poles of caring and sending, advancing the conviction that local congregations and pastoral leaders must not choose between these two emphases. Pastoral leaders are encouraged to recognize that both witnessing and shepherding roles are essential parts of the mission of a church.
