Book Review: Draper draws from 50 years of experience in book for pastors

What would happen if a young, first-time pastor had access to a well-respected pastor with 35 years of ministry in churches ranging from small, rural ones to megachurches? What if a veteran pastor who is thinking about throwing in the towel had the same access?

Well, pastors at all ages, stages and backgrounds now have access to Jimmy Draper, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Euless and president emeritus of LifeWay Christian Resources, and his 50 years of experience as a pastor and denominational leader. Draper offers sage advice from a biblical perspective in his recently published book, Don’t Quit Before You Finish (Clovercroft Publishing).

In the endorsements section of the book, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Executive Director Jim Richards says, “This book should be required reading in every pastoral ministries class. The invaluable practical wisdom for relating to people will enhance anyone’s spiritual walk.” 

Similarly, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson says, “This will keep your head above water, your body at home, and your heart with the Lord.”

Draper’s personable demeanor and gracious spirit radiate from this book on pastoral ministry. He addresses a broad spectrum of topics, from the call to ministry to the pastor’s character, from dealing with conflict to leading for change, from starting a new pastorate to leaving one well.

Simply reading the table of contents alone would be worth the price of the book, with section titles that present straightforward imperatives to pastors like “Never Make a Decision When You Are Discouraged or Depressed,” “Be Quick to Forgive Mistakes,” “Learn to Delegate,” and “Always Accept Resignations.” However, Draper’s unique blend of biblical stories, leadership principles and personal anecdotes fill out these imperatives from a to-do list to a how-to list.

Based on the premise that most failures in church leadership are self-inflicted, Draper’s advice is both practical and accessible. For example, in a short section titled “Write Notes of Concern, Consolation, and Appreciation,” he lists seven simple ways he personally incorporated the practice in his own ministry. Elsewhere, he encourages pastors to avoid compromising situations and to mange their time well.

While the book’s organization and chapter arrangements could be better presented, this book is a go-to resource for any pastor, so much so that the SBTC Pastor/Church Relations department has purchased a copy of the book for every pastor of a SBTC church and is distributing them through Field Ministry Strategists across the state.