Pastors and Teachers by Derek Prime (A Review by Oluwasogo Faloye)

Pastors and Teachers by Derek Prime (A Review by Oluwasogo Faloye)

Pastors and Teachers by Derek Prime – A Must-Read for Every Shepherd of God’s People

Author: Oluwasogo M. Faloye

Ministry is a noble task, as the apostle Paul affirms: “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1, ESV). Yet, it is a calling that demands integrity, spiritual maturity, and a life above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2–8). Anyone who has served as a pastor or teacher in the church knows the profound weight and responsibility that comes with shepherding God’s people.

Thankfully, timeless guides like Derek Prime’s Pastors and Teachers: The Calling and Work of Christ’s Ministers provide faithful and practical direction to those called into this sacred work. This book is not merely a how-to manual on pastoral ministry—it is a deeply spiritual handbook grounded in Scripture and seasoned with decades of pastoral experience.

In this article, I’ll walk through what makes Pastors and Teachers such a valuable resource for today’s church leaders. We’ll explore each chapter, drawing out insights and applications for pastors, elders, and aspiring ministers who long to serve faithfully and finish well.

Why This Book Matters

Derek Prime was a seasoned British pastor, well-respected for his lifelong service in ministry and his significant mentoring role in the lives of younger pastors—including Alistair Begg. In the introduction of Pastors and Teachers, Prime emphasizes that the book is born out of decades of personal experience, reflection, and biblical conviction about what it means to be a faithful servant of Christ. He acknowledges that while much has changed in the world, the foundational truths about pastoral calling and ministry responsibilities remain timeless.

From the outset, Prime positions the pastoral office as one of sacred trust, not self-appointment. He writes that the aim of the book is “to encourage those who are called to pastoral and teaching ministries to persevere, to grow in effectiveness, and to finish well.” This theme sets the tone for the chapters that follow. The book systematically covers every major aspect of a pastor’s life and work—from personal holiness and prayer life to public responsibilities like preaching, pastoral care, and leadership. Rather than offering contemporary trends or ministry gimmicks, Prime offers a deeply scriptural, thoroughly practical, and spiritually sobering manual for enduring faithfulness in ministry.

Derek Prime

The Call and the Calling
Derek Prime opens the first chapter by asserting that the starting point of all pastoral ministry is a divine call. Ministry is not a profession to be chosen like any other career, but a vocation that is divinely initiated and sustained. He writes “The call to be a pastor or teacher must be a call from God, confirmed by inward conviction and outward affirmation.” (p. 11)

This twofold dimension of the call—internal and external—is essential. Internally, one must experience a strong sense of God’s compulsion to serve His church in a pastoral or teaching role. Externally, that call must be recognized and affirmed by the wider body of Christ, particularly by mature believers and church leadership.

Prime is particularly concerned that individuals not enter ministry lightly or for the wrong motives. He warns against those who enter pastoral ministry simply because of giftedness, family tradition, or perceived influence. Instead, the call should be rooted in personal conviction, prayerful discernment, and a clear sense of responsibility before God.

He draws attention to the example of the apostle Paul, who often referred to himself as a servant of Christ Jesus by the will of God (cf. 2 Tim. 1:1). Similarly, Prime encourages readers to reflect on Paul’s charge to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3, underscoring that while the desire to be an overseer is noble, it is not self-authenticating—one must also meet the spiritual and moral qualifications set by Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1–8).

The chapter closes by emphasizing that the authenticity of a call will be tested by time, trials, and the demands of ministry. It is not enough to have a fleeting emotional impression; rather, one’s sense of calling must withstand seasons of discouragement and hardship. Ultimately, Prime writes, “A true call will be marked by perseverance, a growing dependence on the Lord, and a deepening love for His people” (Pastors and Teachers, p. 18).

This foundational chapter serves as a compass, orienting the pastor’s heart not toward ambition or success, but toward faithful obedience to God’s specific calling.

Life and Character
In this chapter, Derek Prime turns the spotlight onto the inner life of the pastor, arguing that a minister’s effectiveness hinges not merely on his public gifting, but on the authenticity of his private character. The thrust of Prime’s message is that spiritual leadership must be rooted in integrity. Public ministry must flow from a holy and disciplined private life.

Prime begins by drawing attention to the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:2–7, highlighting that the biblical criteria for pastoral ministry focus more on character than on capability. He writes:

“We are what we are in private before God. If we are not right there, nothing else will be right.” (p. 22)

He warns against the modern fascination with personality and charisma, cautioning that these can never substitute for holiness, humility, and truthfulness. The pastor must watch over his heart, guard his thoughts, and cultivate purity because spiritual leadership is weakened when private sins contradict public proclamations. As he memorably states:

“When our tongues let us down, it is because we have not first watched over our hearts and thoughts.” (p. 26)

Prime outlines several key character traits vital for pastoral ministry: sincerity, discipline, humility, patience, and a forgiving spirit. He emphasizes that pastors must continually submit to God’s sanctifying work, for their lives must serve as living sermons to their flock.

The chapter closes with a sobering reminder that personal holiness is not optional—it is foundational. Without it, the authority of one’s preaching, the fruitfulness of one’s leadership, and the credibility of one’s ministry will inevitably collapse. In Prime’s words “Personal holiness is the invisible backbone of effective ministry.” (p. 28)

Goals and Priorities
Pastors must know what they’re aiming for. Prime urges leaders to prioritize preaching, prayer, and people—following the pattern of Acts 6. Without intentional goals, we risk being busy but fruitless.

4. The Power of Prayer
Prayer isn’t optional; it’s essential. Prime warns of ministry that becomes mechanical due to prayerlessness “A principal temptation in the ministry is to be carried along by its sheer busyness to the neglect of prayer.” He calls for a prayer life that fuels all other pastoral duties.

5. The Devotional Life
The heart of a pastor must remain in daily communion with Christ. Prime insists that no amount of public ministry can substitute for private devotion.

6. Study
Preaching the Word requires rigorous study. Prime champions disciplined reading, biblical exegesis, and lifelong learning. This chapter challenges pastors to be both shepherds and scholars.

7. Preaching
Clarity is key. Prime writes,

“The mark of a good teacher is that what is difficult and complicated becomes simple to understand.”

Preaching must be rooted in Scripture, centered on Christ, and dependent on the Holy Spirit—not driven by trends or applause.

8 & 9. Pastoral Care (Principles and Practice)
Pastors are not only preachers but shepherds. Prime details the importance of listening, visiting, and providing biblical counsel with gentleness and truth.

10. Leading Worship
Worship leadership should be done reverently and thoughtfully. Prime encourages the integration of Scripture, prayer, and Christ-centered focus in corporate gatherings.

11. Leading the Church
Servant leadership is non-negotiable. Prime exhorts pastors to lead with humility, work collaboratively with elders, and preserve unity in the church.

12. Delegation
You can’t do it all. Prime shows how delegation is not a sign of weakness but wisdom—and an opportunity to disciple others through shared responsibility.

13. Family and Leisure
Ministry doesn’t exempt pastors from their responsibilities at home. Prime urges pastors to nurture their families and practice healthy rest:

“We all need something of interest, totally distinct from our work, to which we can turn our minds for rest and relaxation.”

14. Perils Tempered by Privileges
Every pastor will face criticism, discouragement, and spiritual warfare. But Prime closes the book by reminding us of the immense privilege it is to serve Christ’s bride:

“Success in spiritual work is not synonymous with being in the public eye… Success is finishing the work God has given us, and no one else, to do.”

Final Thoughts: A Ministry Mentor in Book Form

If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or aspiring elder, Pastors and Teachers should be on your reading list. It’s biblical, wise, deeply practical, and refreshingly humble. Derek Prime doesn’t parade his experiences—he lets Scripture lead and gently invites us to follow.

This is more than a book review. It’s a call to return to the basics: the Word, prayer, character, and love for God’s people.

“We are not professional men. We are servants of Jesus Christ, entrusted with the care of his flock.”

Let this book remind you of the beauty and gravity of that call.

Oluwasogo M. Faloye is a member of Providence Reformed Baptist Church Ibadan