“The Pastor as Gardener is a lovely thing. We all know that a pastor is a shepherd, but the image of the Christian life as a garden–a garden that thrives with careful tending–is also embedded in Scripture and in Christian tradition, as Matthew Erickson shows us in this quietly, deeply, sweetly meditative book. His account is capable of bringing great refreshment to anyone called to ministry, but it is also illuminating for lay Christians, in or out of the pews.”–Alan Jacobs, Baylor University

“Jesus used rich plant-life imagery to describe the oxymoron of an abundant, unstoppable kingdom that also requires patience and imagination. A vital task for pastors, then, is to learn how to tend with the care and patience of gardeners. Matthew Erickson’s book helps us grow our capacity for embracing those kingdom ways and remembering how to partner with miraculous things.”–Mandy Smith, author of The Vulnerable Pastor

“By directing our attention to inner life and outward ministry, realities beneath and above the surface, and the different seasons of personal and ecclesial life, Matthew Erickson shows us the vitality and importance of the metaphor of pastor as gardener. While pastors may be the primary audience, this insightful, catalytic, and personal book will bring great benefit to all who love Christ and his church.”–Vincent Bacote, Wheaton College

Matthew Erickson serves as senior pastor of Eastbrook Church, a diverse urban congregation in Milwaukee. He holds an MDiv from Northern Theological Seminary and a DMin from Western Theological Seminary.