History for pastors - a note from Gerald Bray

Dear fellow-workers in Christ,

You have been called to a ministry of feeding and nurturing God’s flock as they make their way from the desert of this earth to the promised land of the kingdom of heaven. It is an arduous journey, and one that brings disappointments and discouragements along the way, even though we are promised that God will honour our efforts in the end. The people whom you are called to serve are heirs to a great heritage and you are walking in the footsteps of men and women who have been where you are now. Like you, they have known moments of triumph and times of adversity. They have seen the Word of God go forth in power to save and they have felt the opposition that always comes to those who preach the Word of God faithfully. Our country has been blessed by generations of people like you, and God has not given up on us yet. He wants you to know that you belong to a great company of saints who have overcome their own sinfulness by the indwelling presence of his Holy Spirit, who have moved mountains by the inspiration of his grace and who have given their lives for the sake of the cause for which you are now giving yours. This is a book that will humble you in your pride, encourage you in your weakness and strengthen you as you go on in the spiritual warfare to which you have been called. Pastoring is a lonely occupation, but you are not alone. Pick up this book and be reminded of what God has done in the lives of those who have gone before us, and of what he will continue to do in and through you, if you remain faithful to him and to the service to which he has called and appointed you. It will change your life.

Gerald Bray

You can find some of Gerald's books below, and his (many!) others from other publishers are available online and in bookshops. The History of Christianity in Britain and Ireland deals with the titular topic, whilst God Has Spoken is a history of Christian Theology and Biblical Interpretation traces the history of that vital task.