The Ministry We Need: Paul’s Ancient Farewell – the Pastor’s Present Calling Paperback – May, 2022

by Jeremy A. Rogers, Jordan N. Rogers, Tony A. Rogers (Authors)

 What would cause the Apostle Paul to testify that “I am innocent of the blood of all?” Godly qualities characterized his ministry and outside of Christ, there is no greater ministry example. All ministers struggle and we all know those who toil in frustration alongside us in the Lord’s field. You may be amid deep struggle now; worn, tattered, scarred, ready to quit—you have lost the focus

and the joy of your calling. Most of us in ministry have known those who have either left the ministry or shipwrecked their faith. Quite possibly this is you. What we need to do is “put our hands to the plow, focus on our calling and the path before us, and determine to finish well.” Drawing from Paul’s example from Acts 20:17–38 the authors prescribe ministry principles touching on a wide range of pastoral and preaching insights.  Some have a ministry they should not want; some desire a ministry they think they want, but this book seeks to identify the ministry we need.

About the Authors

Tony, Jeremy, and Jordan Rogers are a father and sons’s team, with over eighty-seven years of combined preaching/pastoral ministry experience. Jeremy (DMin) is Lead Pastor of Eastwood Baptist Church (Bowling Green KY). Jordan (PhD) is Senior Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church (Nederland TX). Tony (DMin) is Senior Pastor of Southside Baptist Church (Bowie TX). They operate Jeremiah 20:9 Ministries—A Ministry to New Testament Churches committed to the glory of God through Expository Preaching (http://www.jeremiah209ministries.org/).

Endorsements

​"You will not read a more encouraging book this year than The Ministry We Need. Three pastors, a father and two sons, unpack Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 in a masterful fashion. Here is analysis and diagnosis to be sure, but as the authors tell us “remedy is paramount.” This book is indeed tonic for the new pastor, the experienced pastor, or the discouraged pastor. Let the Rogers’ trio open up Paul’s own heart for ministry to speak to you and your ministry. Highly recommended!"
—David L. Allen, Distinguished Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Chair of Ministry, Director of the Southwestern Center for Expository Preaching, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

​"Tony Rogers and his two sons, Jordan and Jeremy, provide an inspirational and instructional guidebook for ministry. They use personal antidotes, significant quotes from well-known and unknown servants of the Lord. Included are warnings about the pitfalls in ministry. This well-researched and scripture filled book is a must read for those entering the ministry and those continuing to serve. Read it, and re-read it!"
—James W. (Jim) Richards, Executive Director Emeritus, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention

​"Reading The Ministry We Need was precisely the encouragement I needed! I have never read a book for pastors more thoroughly biblical, emphatically practical, and relentlessly challenging. Though unafraid to grapple with the most difficult questions of ministry, the warm devotional tone of the Rogers engaged my heart as well as my head."
--Hershael W. York, Dean of the School of Theology: Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Christian Preaching, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

​Pastors Jeremy, Jordan, and Tony Rogers know that pastoral ministry can be tough. They have been sustained by their conviction that the Scriptures are sufficient to guide them through all the difficulties of ministries .... If you are a pastor, The Ministry We Need is a book you need.
--Matt Queen, Associate Dean of the Roy J. Fish School of Evangelism and Missions, Professor of Evangelism, L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism (“Chair of Fire”), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

​“These pages come from a remarkable family of effective ministers. Using Scripture and personal experience and gathering illustrations from dozens of ministers in our ministerial world, Tony, Jeremy, and Jordan have penned a remarkable book. Read it and be blessed. Practice it and successfully navigate the complicated ministerial landscape of our contemporary world.”
—Jimmy Draper, President Emeritus, LifeWay

​“Not one chapter fails to provide a wealth of reproof, encouragement, and correction for one serving the Lord in pastoral ministry. The honest, insightful, and challenging instruction is a feast for the souls of God’s under-shepherds. The Ministry We Need is a must-read for those serving in ministry as well as for those preparing for the ministry, and is one that should be read annually throughout one’s ministry.”
—Ben Awbrey, Senior Professor of Preaching, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

​“The Ministry We Need is a timely reminder to pastors that standing on the foundation of God’s word has never been more imperative. We currently live in a world where relevance reigns over truth. Jeremy, Jordan, and Tony do a fantastic job emphasizing the need for pastoral humility, ministry boldness, and sacrificial service. This read will invigorate you to seek your area of leadership with more intentionality and authenticity. I cannot recommend this read enough!”
—Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention, Author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe