Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper is an excellent book that seems to be fairly typical of the rest of Piper’s works, but this time he is specifically addressing pastors. The goal of this book is summarized in the next to last paragraph of a prayer found on page 4:
“Banish professionalism from our midst, Oh God, and in its place put passionate prayer, poverty of spirit, hunger for God, rigorous study of holy things, white hot devotion to Jesus-Christ, utter indifference to all material gain, and unremitting labor to rescue the perishing, perfect the saints, and glorify our sovereign Lord.”
This book is very readable, hard hitting, and helpful in advising pastors and, really, all believers in Christ to follow Him radically, whole-heartedly, and with determination. The alternative to professionalism is spelled out in the 30 short chapters in the book. He lists specific areas that pastors must address as they minister to God’s people. The book offers down to earth application that is rooted in God-glorifying theology.
One chapter that stuck out to me was the encouragement to read more Christian biographies. Here, Piper argues, we find encouragement to persevere even if there is severe opposition from people, health, or situation in life. He writes:
“Living theology. Flawed and encouraging saints. Stories of grace. Deep inspiration. The best entertainment. Brothers, it is worth your precious hours. Remember Hebrews 11. And read Christian biography.” (p 96)
This book is well written and references other theologians as well as Scripture quite often. Despite the negative title, Piper is a welcome encouragement to any pastor or person in Christian ministry.
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