Ray Ortlund

From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called and equipped individuals who would serve his community of followers. These "shepherds" are called to preach, pray, and care for the needs of God's people. But what does it mean to be a pastor? And what is the nature of this ministry, according to the Bible? In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson begins by looking at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how an individual--and a church community--can best identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In each chapter, Wilson looks at one of the core practices of pastoral ministry, including: Preaching SermonsDeveloping a Vibrant Prayer LifeCaring and CounselingPastoring Married and SingleGospel-Centered LeadershipFighting Sin and Spiritual WarfareResolving ConflictPassing on the Ministry to OthersIn addition, Wilson provides practical resources including theological insights on baptism and the Lord's Supper, guidance for wedding and funeral sermons, outlines for leading elder and deacon meetings, tips for interviewing new pastors, questions to ask at ordination, and advice on knowing when and how to leave a pastor role. This is a comprehensive, practical guide to pastoral ministry that prepares new pastors and equips those currently serving for long-term, healthy ministry. A companion streaming video study is also available.

From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called and equipped individuals who would serve his community of followers. These "shepherds" are called to preach, pray, and care for the needs of God's people. But what does it mean to be a pastor? And what is the nature of this ministry, according to the Bible? In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson begins by looking at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how an individual--and a church community--can best identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In each chapter, Wilson looks at one of the core practices of pastoral ministry, including: Preaching SermonsDeveloping a Vibrant Prayer LifeCaring and CounselingPastoring Married and SingleGospel-Centered LeadershipFighting Sin and Spiritual WarfareResolving ConflictPassing on the Ministry to OthersIn addition, Wilson provides practical resources including theological insights on baptism and the Lord's Supper, guidance for wedding and funeral sermons, outlines for leading elder and deacon meetings, tips for interviewing new pastors, questions to ask at ordination, and advice on knowing when and how to leave a pastor role. This is a comprehensive, practical guide to pastoral ministry that prepares new pastors and equips those currently serving for long-term, healthy ministry.

God made you for friendship. Friendship is one of the deepest pleasures of life. But in our busy, fast-paced, mobile world, we’ve lost this rich view of friendship and instead settled for shallow acquaintances based on little more than similar tastes or shared interests. Helping us recapture a vision of true friendship, pastor Drew Hunter explores God’s design for friendship and what it really looks like in practice—giving us practical advice to cultivate the kinds of true friendships that lead to true and life-giving joy.

Surprising Wisdom for Living Well in a Broken World Enjoying the human journey through this world can seem impossible. So much is going wrong in these dark days. And the daily personal demands never let up. Who has the time—much less the freedom of heart—to play, to laugh, to delight? What’s more, those following Christ can also feel duty-bound to live in sacrificial austerity. But God’s strategy for wise living includes bold enjoyment. In fact, any “Christianity” that feels embarrassed about enjoying God’s good gifts dishonors him and leaves Christians with less to give their suffering world. With a pastor’s heart, Ray Ortlund invites readers to embrace God’s strategy for facing reality and living well. Meditating on Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, Ortlund explains how following Christ here in this world is a nuanced mix of both suffering and happiness. Ecclesiastes is a gospel call to accept the suffering and to savor the happiness—and savor it boldly. Delivers a Gospel Call to Enjoyment: Pastor Ray Ortlund reminds readers that God not only allows us enjoyment but even commands it Wise Insights: Offers an extended meditation on Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, enriched with personal anecdotes and wisdom from Christians of the past Countercultural: Affirms the actual joys God has placed in everyday life, defying today’s cynical and sometimes hyperspiritual culture

Meeting the Man of Sorrows Where We Need Him Most We all long for a life worth living. So when we receive news of a frightening diagnosis, suffer heartbreaking loss in our family life, or get trapped in a cycle of our own sin, we might wonder about God. Where is he when we need him most? With wisdom from Isaiah 57:15, Good News at Rock Bottom helps readers discover that Jesus is hard to find in the comfortable lives we prefer. Instead, he meets us at rock bottom—where he is waiting for us with open arms. With grace and empathy, author Ray Ortlund opens a door for readers to go deeper with God and get closer to faithful friends when life is hard to bear. You will discover that, at rock bottom, Jesus is more satisfying than any comfortable life without him. Empathetic: Author Ray Ortlund meets readers with honesty and helps them fall into the arms of Christ amid the painful seasons of life Appeals to Sufferers: Will resonate with anyone who has experienced betrayal, failure, loneliness, or wondered if God even cares Ideal for Individual or Small-Group Use: Questions at the end of each chapter spur discussion with friends and reflection in one’s own heart

福音是个神学信息，但这信息也创造了人的美好，即我们教会里美好的关系，从而使基督的荣耀显于当今世界。在这本如同及时雨的书中，雷-奥特伦牧师提出，福音教义生发福音文化。在太多教会中，福音文化的美好是拼图缺失的部分。如果我们让福音施展其完全的能力，那教会就能因基督的荣耀大放异彩。

From generation to generation, God has filled the world with families. And yours is unlike any other on earth But why did God make all these families? In this unique picture book, authors Jani and Ray Ortlund visit modern-day families of all shapes and sizes along with families from the Bible (including the first family, the sons of Jacob, and Jesus's earthly family). You'll see that families are a gift and have always been a part of God's plan From the beginning, He has used them to do amazing things, and He can do the same with your family today, whether it's big or small, near or far. This celebration of family shows that it's more than a dad and mom and their children. God is there, working His wonderful plan from one generation to another. And each child is an important part of God's plan These pages will encourage you to keep saying "yes" to God and to watch Him continue to give your family His new mercies.

In the midst of family life, most days are too busy to think far into the future. Then once the children are grown, family life can feel like mostly memories, often tinged with regrets. And the future? More worries and fears, laden with unknowns. But you and your family right now, whatever your ages, whatever you're facing, are living within a much larger story than you realize. Your investments and efforts today matter as part of the grand sweep of God's lasting purposes. His heart for your family can help you create a culture of faith now that can still be reverberating To the Tenth Generation. Sound impossible? Ray and Jani Ortlund help bring such unimaginable thoughts down into the everyday ordinary of home and marriage and parenting--even grandparenting. With refreshing honesty and wise counsel, they invite you to experience the greatness that God can accomplish through a Christian family. It can happen, yes, in your family--now and for many, many, many years to come.

Recovering the Wisdom of Early Christian Figures to Effectively Shepherd Modern Churches In addition to the regular demands of preaching and shepherding, modern pastors feel undue pressure to entertain congregants and increase attendance numbers. Often, churches resort to the latest business models to keep pace. But true, life-giving guidance lies in Scripture and the wisdom of those having come before us. Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls helps pastors to embrace a classic, biblical vision of ministry through the study of selected pastoral virtues and early church figures. Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Great both referred to ministry as “the care of souls.” Calling for a “return to the sources,” professors Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite ponder what a scriptural vision of ministry is, how patristic voices help inform this vision, and how pastors today can cultivate this pastoral vision in their churches. Each chapter examines an important pastoral topic—such as humility, the sacraments, and contemplative theology—and brings it to life through a constructive model and profiles of early church fathers. Encouraged by the patristic wisdom of Irenaeus, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, and more, readers learn a simple and slower model for pastoring that they can emulate as they care for their communities. A slower pace of life may, in fact, help pastors cultivate the soil of souls more richly and, as a result, return to ministry as “the care of souls.” Applicable: Enriches the spiritual and ministerial practices of modern pastors through ancient church wisdom, pastoral reflections, and examples from Scripture Theological and Historical: Features detailed profiles of church fathers, including Ambrose of Milan, Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and others Written for Students and Pastors: Ideal for college-level courses, as well as new or seasoned ministers

How does the church portray the beauty of Christ? The gospel is a theological message. But this message also creates human beauty―beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today. In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

Practical Advice for Weary Leaders Who Want a Gospel-Centered Culture for Their Church Being a pastor is hard. Whether it’s relational difficulties in the congregation, growing opposition toward the church as an institution, or just the struggle to continue in ministry with joy and faithfulness, the pressure on leaders can be truly overwhelming. It’s no surprise that pastors are burned out, tempted to give up, or think they’re going crazy. While we’re quick to assert what the gospel says, we’re often too slow to admit what the gospel should do for our churches: reflect Christ’s beauty through a godly, grace-filled culture. In this practical guide, seasoned pastors Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture into every aspect of their churches. Emphasizing the importance of healthy doctrine, they explain that failing to also nurture a healthy culture can be frustrating, polarizing, and even unbiblical. This encouraging guide features Scripture-focused advice on honesty, honor, preaching, leadership, and mission to support leaders and help them regain a beautiful, Christ-centered vision for their ministries. A Great Resource for Pastors, Church Planters, and Seminary Students: Encourages weary church leaders with Christ-centered advice on hospitality, discipleship, preaching, and more Valuable Ministry Insights: Each chapter features discussion questions and a brief, engaging conversation between the authors about the topic By Pastors Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry: Expanding on their podcast, You’re Not Crazy

Study Guide from Ray Ortlund Equips Men to Join the Battle against Porn In his book The Death of Porn, pastor Ray Ortlund calls an entire generation to believe in their God-given royalty and push back against the degrading porn industry. This companion study guide walks readers through each of the 6 chapters with discussion questions, a chapter summary, Scripture passages for reflection or meditation, a prayer, and space to write responses. Designed for small groups, Bible studies, or individuals, The Death of Porn study guide is perfect for men looking to dive deeper into the wondrous truth of the gospel and apply practical steps of integrity for themselves and their generation. Companion Study Guide: Designed to be used alongside The Death of Porn by Ray Ortlund Bible Study for Men: Perfect for small groups or individuals Interactive: Offers reflection questions for each chapter and space for study notes

How does the church portray the beauty of Christ? The gospel is a theological message. But this message also creates human beauty―beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today. In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

How does the church portray the beauty of Christ? The gospel is a theological message. But this message also creates human beauty―beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today. In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

How does the church portray the beauty of Christ? The gospel is a theological message. But this message also creates human beauty―beautiful relationships in our churches, making the glory of Christ visible in the world today. In this timely book, Pastor Ray Ortlund makes the case that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. In too many of our churches, it is the beauty of a gospel culture that is the missing piece of the puzzle. But when the gospel is allowed to exert its full power, a church becomes radiant with the glory of Christ.

El pastor Ray Ortlund llama a la pornograf a el «papel tapiz del mundo , tan extenso que no puede ser evadido. Ning n hombre est exento de ser expuesto a ella. Entonces, c mo pueden luchar por recuperar su dignidad? C mo pueden los hombres unirse para dejar de jugar defensiva y comenzar a jugar en la ofensiva contra la industria que crea la pornograf a? La muerte de la pornograf a consta de una serie de cartas personales a hombres j venes y llama a la generaci n entera a creer en su realeza dada por Dios y rechazar la degradante industria pornogr fica. Al caminar juntos en honestidad, oraci n y activismo, los hombres pueden disminuir la industria pornogr fica y sacarla a los m rgenes de la cultura, estigmatizar su imagen, ahorcar sus demandas, revelar sus enga os y reducir sus ingresos. Los hombres que se juntan para liderar juntos el movimiento como campeones de la nobleza pueden construir un mundo nuevo donde todas las personas son dignificadas como nunca antes. Pastor Ray Ortlund calls pornography the "wallpaper of the world"―so widespread that it can't be avoided. No man is free from exposure to it. So how can every man fight to get his dignity back? How can men band together to stop playing defense and start playing offense against the industry creating porn? The Death of Porn is a series of personal letters to young men, calling an entire generation to believe in their God-given royalty and to push back against the degrading porn industry. As men walk together in honesty, prayer, and activism, they can diminish the industry, pushing it out to the margins of culture, stigmatizing its image, choking its demand, calling its bluff, and reducing its income. Men standing together to lead the movement as champions of nobility can build a new world where all people are dignified as never before.