A pastor’s life is filled with decisions. Of course, that is so for every person in every vocation. Yet, for the pastor, there is a unique decision-making category. Pastors must routinely make decisions on behalf of others. For instance, a pastoral counseling session may focus on a vocational crisis of a parishioner. Or, there could be decisions needed within a family crisis. The family looks to the pastor to consider the presenting issues in the light of Scripture and a wise application of biblical truth.
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Following a career in pastoral ministry, Armed Forces chaplaincy, and higher education, I have sought to prepare material for chaplains. I want to make this material available to all Christian shepherds. The following volume was released by Bethesda Publications, an imprint of our own nonprofit, Faith for Living. It is produced with an eye for clarity and brevity of expression. We trust this has also allowed us to produce a humble treatise that is also quite affordable. Available in both print and ebook formats, The Pastoral Decision-Making Model is now available at all major online and physical bookshops.
Lord, whose Word is life, and whose life is offered to us through Thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, grant that this little book may be of encouragement for Thy shepherds to the glory of Thy name and the good of Thy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
A Prayer of Dedication.
From a Library Review
In “The Pastoral Decision-Making Model: A Pathway to Biblical Solutions,” theologian and pastor Dr. Michael A. Milton presents a transformative framework for Christian shepherds seeking to navigate the complex challenges of pastoral ministry. This book offers a refreshing departure from transactional approaches. Instead, it focuses on the supernatural means of grace—The Word and Prayer—while remaining firmly anchored in Scripture and spiritual diagnosis.
Dr. Milton introduces a practical six-step model that empowers pastors to approach problems with confidence and discernment. This model goes beyond the surface level of problem-solving and delves into the heart of the matter, offering a pathway to genuine spiritual transformation.
Unlike typical executive how-to books that attempt to mold the Church into secular structures, “The Pastoral Decision-Making Model” provides a vital resource that speaks directly to Christian ministers’ unique challenges and calling. Whether you are a seasoned pastor, a chaplain, or an aspiring minister, this book will equip you with divine means for achieving godly outcomes.
The six-step process outlined in this book not only addresses immediate issues but also fosters a vocational satisfaction that comes from aligning ministry decisions with the timeless truths of Scripture. By centering decision-making on the supernatural means of grace, pastors can experience a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in their ministry.
“The Pastoral Decision-Making Model” is a guidebook for pastors and a valuable resource for seminary courses, internships, and residencies. Its comprehensive and biblically grounded approach provides a solid foundation for developing the necessary skills to fulfill ministry mandates effectively—that is, faithfully.
Dr. Michael A. Milton’s expertise, combined with his heart for shepherding God’s people, makes this book an indispensable tool for pastors seeking to navigate the complexities of pastoral ministry. Prepare to be transformed as you embrace a new decision-making model that embraces divine means and seeks godly outcomes.
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
