Why do books have forewords?

Earlier this week I submitted my edited manuscript back to my editor. As part of our back-and-forth, she let me know that if I wanted a foreword to be included in my book I would need to have that finalized by mid-September.

What is a foreword?

A foreword is very simply, the word that goes before. It is not to be confused with a position in soccer that attacks rather than defending or keeping goal. The foreword is a short introduction to a book, usually by someone with an established reputation or an expert in the book’s field.

Rationale for a foreword

There are two big reasons for the foreword. First, it provides a book with instantly credibility when a subject matter expert writes a lengthy endorsement for it. Without stating it directly, their name and brief introduction says, you can trust this author and the content of their book. Secondly, a foreword can also provide context for the book. It helps answer questions about why readers might want to pick up and read the book. Both of these reason are very important reasons why authors who are just starting out in their publishing careers are keen on finding seasoned scholars to write forewords.

A Foreword for my Book?

With my book, Wages in the Kingdom: Learning from Bivocational ministry models in the early church, set to be released in May 2027, I have been on the lookout for a foreword author. Even though my editor has been a very helpful companion on the journey, it has not been easy. I have reached out to four different potential foreword authors and I have received two responses. The first was an auto-responder message from someone on sabbatical and the only other response was from a New Testament scholar (you would know their name if I used it) who was the doctoral supervisor of my colleague, Dr. Wes Olmstead (thanks again for the introduction, Wes!). Here’s what that person wrote:

Jason
I’ve looked through your [manuscript] and it is a courageous piece, and I suspect many will like it and benefit from it. [Especially] with the decline of churches and their ability to support pastors. Because I teach so many paid pastors, and because over the years that has been the model I have more or less supported, I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to endorse your book. This is not just pragmatic. In fact, I’m not persuaded the NT provides all that much guidance on this topic. Themes of generosity and the priestly system could support paid ministry; Jesus’ words could offer support for bivocationality. Your work is well done and I hope it generates good discussions. The system we do have today is there because it has functioned well enough for, well, nearly 18 centuries.

While I’m saddened that this scholar declined to write a foreword, I am grateful for the encouragement I felt about their assessment and their honest feedback.

In the end, I may not find someone to write a foreword. The book may have to stand on its own. And while I am confident it will do just that, I would love for a senior scholar to read my nearly finalized work and offer their endorsement.