Pastor Don’s the real deal. Having known him for over 30 years and being a deacon at the first church he pastored, I highly recommend this book, “They Call Me Pastor,” to anyone who would like a blueprint on how to navigate a church in today’s challenging times. You will enjoy reading his life experiences and the unique way he has of bringing God’s Word to life in practical ways.

Thomas J. Gallant Jr.

Former Deacon, Executive Pastor and CFO,

Grand Rapids, First Assembly of God

They Call Me Pastor offers a deeply authentic and spiritually grounded perspective on pastoral ministry, shaped not by theory alone but by lived experience. With clarity and humility, Don Sanderson calls leaders back to the heart of shepherding-prioritizing identity, discernment, and dependence on the Holy Spirit over strategy and performance. This book is both a timely encouragement and a practical guide for pastors navigating seasons of challenge, renewal, and faithful service. It is a meaningful contribution that will strengthen and steady those called to lead God’s people.

Alton Garrison

Global Church Health Alliance

When I was a young pastor, my dad handed me the book On Being a Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe. I read it every year for the next 20 years. They Call Me Pastor is a book I will hand to my spiritual sons. It reminds us that the church belongs to Jesus and so do his pastors. It reminds us that pastoring is a spiritual work more than an administrative assignment. And it reminds us that our call is to build people, not mega-churches. It is a book every pastor and future pastor needs to read.

Rick DuBose

Assistant General Superintendent,

Assemblies of God, General Council

You will find Don Sanderson’s They Call Me Pastor to be packed full of practical lessons in revitalizing a church. While similar books with this theme tend to present how-to-do-it approaches, Pastor Don’s considers the role of the heart, pastoral care, and spiritual insight—all coming from a well of experience. You won’t want to miss this read! I highly recommend it.”

Dr. Carolyn Tennant

speaker, author, professor in the D.Min. program at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Evangel University).

Don Sanderson writes as a pastor who has stood in the valley and refused to mistake activity for life. They Call Me Pastor is a biblically grounded, Spirit-sensitive guide that calls pastors back to their true identity as shepherds - not managers - and charts a practical path toward genuine, sustained church health. I’m grateful for Don’s faithfulness to the SoCal Network and to the local church, and I recommend this work to every pastor who has ever quietly asked, Can these bones live?”

Rich Guerra

Superintendent, SoCal Network Assemblies of God.

Sagacious acumen, timely, unpretentious, discerning, and an artful and pragmatic resource. Sanderson’s “They Call Me Pastor” is a refreshing voice with golden nuggets of health and renewal, offering that inner voice that balances my soul. You’ll want this one!

Joseph S. Girdler

D Min / Superintendent / Kentucky Assemblies of God

Don Sanderson

Don Sanderson is an ordained Assemblies of God minister, pastor, author, educator, and church revitalization leader with over three decades of ministry experience. His commitment to servant leadership, discipline, and personal integrity was significantly shaped by his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps prior to his vocational ministry.

Throughout his career, Don has held positions in pastoral leadership, theological education, leadership development, and church revitalization. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of Vista Assembly of God in Vista, California, overseeing the church, its Christian school, and preschool ministries. His primary focus is on supporting pastors, strengthening local churches, and guiding congregations toward sustainable health, renewal, and mission effectiveness.

Don holds a Master of Arts in Practical Theology and a Master of Professional Studies from the University of Chester in England. He has lectured in undergraduate and ministerial training programs and remains active in discussions on Pentecostal theology, pastoral leadership, and church renewal.

As the founder and president of DSM International, Inc., Don is dedicated to encouraging pastors, equipping emerging leaders, supporting missions, and assisting churches through revitalization processes. His overarching goal, whether through writing, teaching, mentoring, or preaching, is to foster the flourishing of pastors and the thriving of local churches through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don and his wife, Shari, have been married for over four decades. They have children and grandchildren and share a common passion for serving Christ and His Church.

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