The Balanced Pastor by John Benton (Grace Publications, 2023).

After many years in pastoral ministry John Benton is now Director for Pastoral Support at the Pastor’s Academy, London Seminary. This book is actually an omnibus edition of three recent booklets but is nevertheless slim and concise. The subjects covered are:-

• Identifying and avoiding spiritual abuse in the church (‘Servant Shepherds’)
• Handling destructive people in the church (‘Taming Dragons’)
• Development of a culture in the church which allows people to grow (‘Freedom and Humanity in the Churches’)

Benton writes simply and with solid sense on these issues. The pastor’s task is great and demanding and spiritual character will be sorely tested, not the least of which is the grace of humility. The temptation is for him to complain of the failings of those around him and not to soberly examine himself. Authority can be easily abused by thin skinned individuals more ready to be served than to serve. Alarming features more redolent of a cult can soon develop in a church through controlling leaders. There is a fine line between a zeal for doctrine and order in the church and suffocating the spiritual life and enterprise out of individuals, hampering their growth into maturity. The pastor must not be a Diotrophes, loving to be first and foremost like the CEO of a business strutting his superior knowledge. Benton quotes a memorable riposte to this – ‘Pastor, [your people] won’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care… Above all else a church needs love in it’s leadership’. It is after all to be a shop window for the love of Jesus.

This book will provoke needful repentance, inspiration and re-dedication in pastors who are prepared to examine themselves. I’m quite sure of this because it already has for me personally.

Jeremy