Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson
by D. A. Carson

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson
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Book Summary Information

Author: D. A. Carson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-02-29
ISBN: 1433501996
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Crossway Books

Book Reviews of Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson

Book Review: A hopeful book for ordinary pastors
Summary: 5 Stars

I've long had a theory that the most effective pastors are ones we'll never hear anything about. It's hard to believe this in a day of celebrity pastors and megachurch conferences, but our values are so far out of line with God's that I'm sure we'll be surprised one day at how God's estimation of things is different from ours.

Chances are that you've never heard of Tom Carson. He was an ordinary pastor who gained respect but never rose to prominence. He planted a church in Quebec when this was no small feat. He eventually left the church when he was not seeing the conversions that he had hoped for, and he finished his working life as a civil servant and a tent-making pastor. Throughout his ministry he struggled with a sense of inadequacy, no doubt in part because he was just an ordinary pastor. I'm sure there many pastors who can relate.

If Carson's son, noted New Testament scholar D.A. Carson, had not written this book, we probably never would have heard of Tom Carson's life, or benefited from his story. But I'm thankful that he did. Any pastor who feels ordinary, and who sometimes feels discouraged - and that's pretty much every pastor - could benefit from reading this book.

Memoirs helped me see the beauty of ordinary pastoral ministry as I observed it in Tom Carson's life. I was inspired by his example of faithfulness, integrity, and humility, especially when lesser men would have compromised. I recognized some of my struggles in his life. I was frustrated to see Tom Carson get discouraged when he probably did a better job in many areas than I'll ever do. The book helps us understand how the Gospel can help the pastor deal with discouragement in ministry.

D.A. Carson has managed to write an account of his father's life that is neither hagiography nor a tell-all memoir. The book concludes:

"Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people...testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday's grace was never enough. He was not a far-sighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity..."

"When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television...But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man - he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor - but because he was a forgiven man."

May God raise up more ordinary pastors like Tom Carson.

Summary of Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson

D. A. Carson?s father was a pioneering church-planter and pastor in Quebec. But still, an ordinary pastor?except that he ministered during the decades that brought French Canada from the brutal challenges of persecution and imprisonment for Baptist ministers to spectacular growth and revival in the 1970s.

It is a story, and an era, that few in the English-speaking world know anything about. But through Tom Carson?s journals and written prayers, and the narrative and historical background supplied by his son, readers will be given a firsthand account of not only this trying time in North American church history, but of one pastor?s life and times, dreams and disappointments. With words that will ring true for every person who has devoted themselves to the Lord?s work, this unique book serves to remind readers that though the sacrifices of serving God are great, the sweetness of living a faithful, obedient life is greater still.

?This account gives us valuable insight into the life of a man who accepted the challenges of ministry with both integrity and grace, and into the life of a Protestant pastor in French Quebec. A powerful reminder that there are no little places if we are faithful to the God who called us.?
Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor, Moody Church, Chicago

?How can the application of a Bible-saturated mind (Don?s) to a Bible-saturated life (Tom?s) produce an even more helpful story to encourage pastors? Let the ?mind? be carried on a river of love because the ?life? is his father?s. Then add a kind of narrative creativity. That?s how.?
John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

?A rare and precious gift from one of evangelicalism?s greatest scholars. How generous of Dr. Carson to bequeath his father?s quiet legacy to us all.?
C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries

?Carson strikes at the heart of what?s wrong when we forget that, as servants, we were meant to live ordinarily under the gospel of grace. Read this book. You will be deeply encouraged in your life and ministry.?
Michel Lemaire, Pastor of Eglise Baptiste de la Foi, Drummondville, 1984-2005

?This personal testimony is a healthy reminder of heavenly priorities in the pastorate and Christian ministry.?
Pierre Constant, Associate Pastor, Eglise Baptiste Montclair de Hull, 1982-1997

?Read this book and be strengthened. You hold in your hands history, humor, and an amazing amount of wisdom for the Christian life (especially for pastors!).?
Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church

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