The cliche is that those who do not learn from themistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. But ThabitiAnyabwile contends that it is not the mistakes we must study; it isthe people who have overcome them. So he presents three of the mostinfluential African-American pastors in American history who canteach us what faithful ministry entails.
Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833) reminds pastors that eternity mustshape our ministry. Daniel A. Payne (1811-1893) stresses theimportance of character and preparation to faithful shepherding.And Francis J. Grimke (1850-1937) provides a vision forengaging the world with the gospel. While they are from theAfrican-American tradition, they, like all true saints, belong toall Christians of every background and era. Distinctive for its useof rare and out-of-print messages, Anaybwile's work is valuable asa reference as well as a devotional resource.
