Every once in a while you run across a book or an author that speaks to those called to pastoral ministry in a unique, authoritative, essential way. Eugene Peterson is such an author.

I’ve often said that a law should be passed making it mandatory for every pastor to read these five books by Peterson:

Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity.

The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the art of spiritual direction.

Under the Unpredictable Plant: An exploration in Vocational Holiness

The Pastor: a Memoir

Which of these books have you read?