Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor

D. A. Carsonrs"s father was a pioneering church-planter and pastor in Quebec. But still, an ordinary pastor-except that he ministered during the decades that brought French Canada from the brutal challenges of persecution and imprisonment for Baptist ministers to spectacular growth and revival in the 1970s.It is a story, and an era, that few in the English-speaking world know anything about. But through Tom Carsonrs"s journals and written prayers, and the narrative and historical background supplied by his son, readers will be given a firsthand account of not only this trying time in North American church history, but of one pastorrs"s life and times, dreams and disappointments. With words that will ring true for every person who has devoted themselves to the Lordrs"s work, this unique book serves to remind readers that though the sacrifices of serving God are great, the sweetness of living a faithful, obedient life is greater still."This account gives us valuable insight into the life of a man who accepted the challenges of ministry with both integrity and grace, and into the life of a Protestant pastor in French Quebec. A powerful reminder that there are no little places if we are faithful to the God who called us." Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor, Moody Church, Chicago"How can the application of a Bible-saturated mind (Donrs"s) to a Bible-saturated life (Tomrs"s) produce an even more helpful story to encourage pastors? Let the ls"mindrs" be carried on a river of love because the ls"lifers" is his fatherrs"s. Then add a kind of narrative creativity. Thatrs"s how." John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis"A rare and precious gift from one of evangelicalismrs"s greatest scholars. How generous of Dr. Carson to bequeath his fatherrs"s quiet legacy to us all." C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries"Carson strikes at the heart of whatrs"s wrong when we forget that, as servants, we were meant to live ordinarily under the gospel of grace. Read this book. You will be deeply encouraged in your life and ministry." Michel Lemaire, Pastor of Eglise Baptiste de la Foi, Drummondville, 1984-2005"This personal testimony is a healthy reminder of heavenly priorities in the pastorate and Christian ministry." Pierre Constant, Associate Pastor, Eglise Baptiste Montclair de Hull, 1982-1997"Read this book and be strengthened. You hold in your hands history, humor, and an amazing amount of wisdom for the Christian life (especially for pastors!)." Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church