Reformed Pastor

An Updated and Abridged Edition of Richard Baxter’s Classic Text 

Originally written in 1656 and endorsed by generations of leading pastors as an essential book on the work of ministry, this abridged version of The Reformed Pastor presents the best of Richard Baxter’s timeless advice in simple, modern language that’s more accessible to a new generation of church leaders.

In inspiring communications to his fellow ministers, Baxter challenged them to pursue teaching and personal pastoral ministry with an exceptional degree of faithfulness. His words were grounded in the apostle Paul’s encouragement to the leaders in Ephesus to “take heed unto yourselves and all the flock.” Baxter’s advice remains relevant today as Christian leaders face both new and age-old challenges in ministry. With this updated, abridged version of The Reformed Pastor, editor Tim Cooper retains Baxter’s passionate message in a modern, simplified style that speaks clearly to today’s Christian leaders.

• Foreword by Chad Van Dixhoorn
• A refreshed classic originally written by the prominent Puritan, Richard Baxter
• Updated with easy-to-read language and reduced to a more accessible size
• Encourages pastors to preach and live faithfully

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was an influential pastor, a leading English Puritan, a compelling communicator, and a prolific author. He wrote around 140 books on a wide range of subjects. He is best known for his two classic texts, The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (1650) and The Reformed Pastor (1656).

Tim Cooper (PhD, University of Canterbury) serves as professor of church history at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He is the author of John Owen, Richard Baxter and the Formation of Nonconformity and an editor of the Oxford University Press scholarly edition of Baxter’s autobiography.

Chad Van Dixhoorn (PhD, Cambridge University) is professor of church history and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and a former pastor in the United Kingdom and in Virginia. He is the author of Confessing the Faith and God’s Ambassadors.