Above Reproach: A Biblical Process for Examining, Equipping, and Commissioning Faithful Shepherds

By Dr. John Baldwin

What if the men called to shepherd God's people were examined with the same seriousness Scripture demands?

In a day when ministry credentials can be handed out too quickly and biblical qualifications are often assumed rather than examined, Above Reproach returns the church to God's standard for identifying, equipping, and commissioning faithful shepherds.

Rooted deeply in Scripture and written from a distinctly Southern Baptist perspective, this comprehensive ordination manual provides churches, ordination councils, pastors, and ministry leaders with a clear, biblical, and practical process for evaluating men who sense God's call to pastoral ministry.

Inside this manual, you will discover:

- A step-by-step biblical framework for pastoral examination
- Detailed studies of the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5
- Character assessments, doctrinal evaluations, and ministry readiness tools
- Guidelines for ordination councils, interviews, questionnaires, and theological examination
- Practical mentorship strategies for developing future shepherds
- Commissioning resources, service outlines, and accountability structures for lifelong ministry

More than an ordination guide, Above Reproach is a call to restore integrity, theological depth, and spiritual seriousness to the sacred task of setting apart men for gospel ministry.

Because the church does not simply need more pastors...
the church needs faithful shepherds who are truly above reproach.

Perfect for pastors, church leadership teams, seminaries, ordination councils, and ministry candidates preparing to answer God's call.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H35VV3XQ
• ISBN13: 9798196246326
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 86 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.2" x 6.0"