Thoughts on Preaching and Pastoral Ministry: Lessons from the Life and Writings of James W. Alexander

Author(s):  James M. Garretson
Publisher:  Reformation Heritage Books
Price: $2.99      

In ‘Thoughts on Preaching and Pastoral Ministry’, James M. Garretson provides a detailed narrative of James W. Alexander’s life in order to better understand his approach to gospel labors. Garretson draws deeply from Alexander’s correspondence, tracking the spiritual development of his life as it shaped his practice of pastoral ministry. In addition, assessments of Alexander’s sermons, books, and especially reviews provide valuable personal statements that shed light on his character and convictions. Throughout, Alexander is allowed to speak for himself so that the reader may enter into the spiritual pulse that animated his life and actions. Bracing, heartening, and at times frustrating, Alexander’s growth as a Christian and development as a minister is the story of a man subdued by God’s grace and a life marked by a growing conformity to the likeness of Christ. For those whose privilege it is to serve as ministers of the gospel, Alexander’s life and instruction provide inspiration and wisdom for how to do pastoral ministry well and with all of one’s heart.

Endorsements:
“Jim Garretson—aficionado of all things Old Princeton—has done it again! A most welcome accomplishment of historical distinction that also challenges, inspires, and encourages to new levels of faithful service to our Lord. Thoroughly enjoyable and spiritually invigorating.” — Fred G. Zaspel, pastor of Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, Pennsylvania, and executive editor of Books at a Glance

“We owe an incalculable debt to Dr. Garretson for once again leading us into that rich vein of biblical and practical insights concerning the Christian ministry, on this occasion embedded in the life and labors of J. W. Alexander, one of the ‘three mighty men’ of the early years of Princeton Seminary. In its pages we find a masterful blend of historical facts and spiritual diagnosis which enable us to sense that we have in great measure come to truly know who Alexander was, both as a Christ-obsessed man and a Christ-obsessed preacher and seminary teacher.” — Albert N. Martin, author of Preaching in the Holy Spirit

“Building on his initial research on the preaching of Archibald Alexander, Dr. Garretson has immersed himself in the experimental, practical theology of the early Princeton men. I have thoroughly enjoyed and profited from this work on the life and ministry of J. W. Alexander, a son of Archibald Alexander. As I read the book, I was entertained, challenged, convicted, encouraged, and motivated. You will be as well. One of the beauties of the book is that Dr. Garretson allows Alexander to speak for himself by voluminous quotations from his correspondence. Although the book is written in a popular style, there is also a treasure trove in the footnotes for the perusal of those who desire to delve more deeply into the various themes of the book.” — Joseph A. Pipa Jr., president and professor of historical and systematic theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary