I began to read Eugene Peterson’s books on pastoral ministry decades ago. They helped me frame my thoughts on what it means to be a pastor. For me, pastoral ministry is a ministry of presence. It is also a ministry that helps set the overall standard and tone for the local church. This of course is done as an extension of the Chief Shepherd of our souls. Within this framework of thought, the Sunday morning sermon is effective, because it is lived out by the preacher from Monday through Saturday. Read More »