Holy Rebellion: Redefining Excellence in Pastoral Ministry

“Can rebellion be holy? Certainly, as long as we rebel against things that God abhors. It’s time to rebel against the desire to make ourselves great in pastoral ministry.”

These words come from the introduction to Holy Rebellion: Redefining Excellence in Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Kevin Moore, pastor of Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. Dr. Moore has written a fitting primer for ministerial students. It serves to shape a student’s mindset regarding the nature and practice of pastoral ministry.

Dr. Moore illustrates several inadequate models for ministry. He demonstrates the leadership failures of CEO pastors, fashionable pastors, rocking chair pastors, and visiting scholar pastors. In contrast, he presents the model of a pastor whose motivation is love.

The seven chapters communicate the nature and application of this love.

Chapter 1 — Love Your Church Beyond Barriers

Chapter 2 — Love Your Church with God’s Word

Chapter 3 — Love Your Church in Prayer

Chapter 4 — Love Your Church through Visitation

Chapter 5 — Love Your Church During Change

Chapter 6 — Love Your Church within Conflict

Chapter 7 — Love Your Church Amid Stress

This brief volume makes a nice gift to a graduating high school or college student who is preparing for a ministry career. Young pastors in their first churches will also benefit from it. It will encourage your heart as well.