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Rating: 
Summary: Solid material
Review: Baxter's time was not too unlike our own. Despite there being a large theological agreement that there must be discipline within the Church, very few leaders in the church are willing to carry it out. Baxter reminds us, and convincingly so, that we must do so for not only the good of the soul of the individual, but for the rest of the Church, and even ourselves. Most of the book rotates around the subject of discipline in the pastoral ministry. It also contains many other details concerning the ministry that would be good for any aspiring, or current pastor to read.The only reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5 is because this version is the abridged version of what Baxter wrote years ago. However, there is nothing that would tell you this unless you read the preface. I was a little disturbed upon originally reading the preface that this was the case, and that the original work is closer to 700 pages (depending on margins and type settings). This book has a rather tiny font size, and very little margin, so even though it is only over 100 pages, if it were in the typical type setting you see in most books, it would probably be closer to 3-400 pages. Also, the ancient Elizabethean english has been revised for the modern reader, which probably accounts for the shorter number of pages. Don't let any of this distract you from getting this book though, there are still many redeeming qualities to it.
Rating:
Summary: Solid material
Review: Baxter's time was not too unlike our own. Despite there being a large theological agreement that there must be discipline within the Church, very few leaders in the church are willing to carry it out. Baxter reminds us, and convincingly so, that we must do so for not only the good of the soul of the individual, but for the rest of the Church, and even ourselves. Most of the book rotates around the subject of discipline in the pastoral ministry. It also contains many other details concerning the ministry that would be good for any aspiring, or current pastor to read. The only reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5 is because this version is the abridged version of what Baxter wrote years ago. However, there is nothing that would tell you this unless you read the preface. I was a little disturbed upon originally reading the preface that this was the case, and that the original work is closer to 700 pages (depending on margins and type settings). This book has a rather tiny font size, and very little margin, so even though it is only over 100 pages, if it were in the typical type setting you see in most books, it would probably be closer to 3-400 pages. Also, the ancient Elizabethean english has been revised for the modern reader, which probably accounts for the shorter number of pages. Don't let any of this distract you from getting this book though, there are still many redeeming qualities to it.
Rating: 
Summary: Intense Spiritual Direction
Review: From the heart of a tender, yet fiery leader flows the unchanging word of the Lord. Untainted by flowery expressions and sugary words, Richard Baxter pens a message to the preacher's abroad. His only intention, in the book, is restoration and instruction. Every person who has heard the call of the Lord, to lead the people of God, should read this writing. It will change your life forever.
Rating:
Summary: Much needed advice.
Review: Having been a pastor for almost 25 years I admit to initially being angry when I read The Reformed Pastor some years ago. "Why didn't someone show this book to me before?" I thought to myself. How foolish a young minister is who enters the Gospel ministry having been told of Baxter but who refuses to read Baxter. This Puritan of Puritans was wonderfully gifted by God to be a real pastor.
Rating:
Summary: Much needed advice.
Review: Having been a pastor for almost 25 years I admit to initially being angry when I read The Reformed Pastor some years ago. "Why didn't someone show this book to me before?" I thought to myself. How foolish a young minister is who enters the Gospel ministry having been told of Baxter but who refuses to read Baxter. This Puritan of Puritans was wonderfully gifted by God to be a real pastor.
Rating:
Summary: Puritan Passion for Pastoral Ministry
Review: I read this book because so many people have spoken of it as a classic. Having now finished it, I must say I am a little disappointed with the content. I expected profound and striking ideas. In these pages however, were no new principles I have not already learned. The smallness of Baxter's content however, is far exceeded by the substance of his character. It is his character, his pastoral passion for ministry that makes this book the classic it has become. His single-minded devotion to God and his tender, shepherd's heart for his flock have inspired pastors for over 300 years. This book is not an easy read. The English language has changed substantially over 300 years, and as a result the essence of Baxter's pastoral passion is undoubtedly distorted. Still, this volume IS a classic, and is a must-read for any pastor wanting to refine and/or restore his motivation for ministry.
Rating:
Summary: Puritan Passion for Pastoral Ministry
Review: I read this book because so many people have spoken of it as a classic. Having now finished it, I must say I am a little disappointed with the content. I expected profound and striking ideas. In these pages however, were no new principles I have not already learned. The smallness of Baxter's content however, is far exceeded by the substance of his character. It is his character, his pastoral passion for ministry that makes this book the classic it has become. His single-minded devotion to God and his tender, shepherd's heart for his flock have inspired pastors for over 300 years. This book is not an easy read. The English language has changed substantially over 300 years, and as a result the essence of Baxter's pastoral passion is undoubtedly distorted. Still, this volume IS a classic, and is a must-read for any pastor wanting to refine and/or restore his motivation for ministry.
Rating:
Summary: Must reading for pastors and potential pastors
Review: The wisdom of Richard Baxter's THE REFORMED PASTOR should be required readng for all who are even thinking about going into the ministry. It will make you re-think your calling, and look into your personal conviction to Christ like few other books can. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: Solid food for the ministry
Review: This is no candy or soup for the soul, its solid and challenging real world meat for the work of the ministry. Baxter challenges us to a kind of ministry that exceeds human ability alone. Such a ministry drives us to our only hope for that ability and keeps us returning to the everlasting arms of our heavenly father.
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