Parenting in the Pastorate

Parenting is hard work, especially when everyone is watching.

The Lord requires that those who lead his church also excel at leading their own families. In fact, the ability to manage one's household, Paul writes, is a prerequisite. But how do we love our children well given all the demands pastors face? Have you ever left the office for home with your sermon printed, all your emails answered, your members prayed for, your stack of books read, and your staff encouraged? Probably not.

Paul Gilbert has been there. And in Parenting in the Pastorate, he shows weary pastor-parents that the same God who gives us churches and children also gives us grace-grace that forgives our failures and empowers our parenting.

About the Author

Paul Gilbert is the Lead Pastor of Four Oaks Community Church in Tallahassee, FL, where he has served on the pastoral staff for 23 years. He is a co-author of the book Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls, and serves as a Strategist in the Sojourn Network. Paul holds a B.A. in Speech Communication (University of Tennessee), an M.Div. and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University in Marriage and Family. Paul and his wife Susan have been married for 27 years and have four children: Gracie (20); Maggie (19); Jack (16); and Virginia (13).

Endorsements

"Beyond the theological richness, psychological soundness, and tried-and-true practicality of Parenting in the Pastorate, its author, Paul Gilbert, together with his wife, Susan, are the real deal"
Gregg Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"It's a rare find to read a book that is both rich in Scriptural wisdom and completely accessible to 'normal' people. Paul Gilbert has pulled that off."
Les Newsom, Lead Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Oxford, MS

"Paul and Susan Gilbert have produced a wonderfully written, easily accessed, and powerful manual on practical parenting."
Dr. David W. Hegg, Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA; Adjunct Professor, The Master's University; and author of The Obedience Option; Appointed to Preach; and When My Heart Is Faint