The Reformed Pastor
by Richard Baxter
The Reformed Pastor is a kick in the lazy pants. I’ve never read Baxter without profit, even if I don’t agree with every step he takes. His primary point in this book is on behalf of a pastor’s personal work, so more than just public preaching. The ground war complements the air war, so to speak, and discipleship “from house to house” is essential.
That said, his visit-every-individual-once-a-year proposal still isn’t quite life-on-life discipleship. His goal of more individual conversations is good, his strategy of trying to do it all himself (or of a couple parish pastors) isn’t actually as constructive as would be training some to reach more toward reaching the many.
BUT, Baxter cares, and urges pastors to care, and that is WELL DONE.