Certain challenges and opportunities seem to follow specific seasons in a pastor's life. Aspiring pastors wonder how to manage their ambition for ministry against the character qualifications found in Scripture. New pastors question whether the ordinary means of grace are enough to be successful. On the other side of ministry, mature pastors may wonder whether they are still the right man for the job. After all, they have served their church for ten, twenty, or even thirty years-maybe it's time for a new voice. Retired pastors contemplate how their ministry came and went so fast. This issue of Church Matters considers each season of pastoral ministry with the aim to encourage pastors to be faithful. After all, your job description, pastor, is to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you" knowing that "when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Pet. 5:2a, 4b). 9Marks exists to help pastors build healthy churches. We create resources and host events focused on expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Learn more at 9Marks.org. Table of Contents Editor's Note by Jonathan Leeman At the Starting Blocks: Preparation Join a Church and Follow a Faithful Pastor by Joshua Chatman Elder Before You Elder by Zack DiPrima Attend to Your Character by Garrett Conner Listen to Others More Than Yourself: The External Call by V. Samuel Clintoc Balance Patience and Ambition by Billy Dalton You Aspire, but Are You Willing? by Raymond Johnson Candidate Wisely and Honestly by Branton Burleson After the Gun: First Five Years Find a Mentor! by Cheston Pickard Be a Strong and Courageous Young Leader by Clint Darst Patience! Pick Your Battles Wisely by Jeramie Rinne Loving Your Family While Leading God's Church by Liam Garvie Take Heart: Preaching to Enc