Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson

FORTHCOMING TITLE, ETA NOVEMBER 2025

The Triumphs and Trials of an Ordinary Pastor During a Forgotten Era of Church History

D. A. Carson’s father was a pioneering church-planter and pastor in Quebec. He ministered during a transformative era for French Canada, navigating the harsh realities of persecution and imprisonment faced by Baptist ministers, and ultimately witnessing the spectacular growth and revival in the 1970s. 

Through Tom Carson’s journals and written prayers, along with the narrative and historical background provided by his son, readers gain a firsthand account of the life of an ordinary pastor during a pivotal era in North American church history. With words that will ring true for every person who has devoted themselves to the Lord’s work, this unique book serves to remind readers that though the sacrifices of serving God are great, the sweetness of living a faithful, obedient life is greater still.

• Biographical: Includes journal entries, written prayers, and the narrative and historical context of Tom Carson’s life
• An Unexplored Narrative: This story and era are largely unfamiliar to many in the English-speaking world
• Written by D. A. Carson: Tom Carson’s son, cofounder and theologian-at-large of the Gospel Coalition, and author or editor of nearly 200 books

176 pages

“Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor is a deeply edifying and timely book. Faithfulness—not numbers, not ‘success,’ not novelty, not ‘relevance,’ but faithfulness—is the accrediting mark of gospel ministry, and that message comes through loud and clear from introduction to conclusion of this memoir. Reading it brought to mind the powerful words of Anna Waring: ‘content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.’ I found the content profoundly evocative and pastorally instructive. In a day and age of celebrity preachers and personality-driven ministries, it is utterly refreshing to be instructed and encouraged by the recounting of unfamous, lifelong, biblical fidelity in gospel labors. Read. Repent. Be encouraged. And then go thou and do likewise.”
Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary