The Reformed Pastor

The Reformed Pastor was a book by English Puritan church leader and theologian Richard Baxter, which he published in relation to the general ministerial efforts he promoted. Baxter provides his vision of personal pastoral ministry and calls for church ministers to take pastoral work seriously. He emphasizes the need for ministers to really know the people in their flock. Baxter explores the purpose and motivation behind the nature of pastoral work.

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymnodist, theologian, and controversialist. Baxter made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster in Worcestershire, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist Presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the Nonconformists, spending time in prison. His views on justification and sanctification are somewhat controversial and unconventional within the Calvinist tradition because his teachings seem, to some, to undermine salvation by faith, in that he emphasizes the necessity of repentance and faithfulness.