In our time, when faith is questioned and traditions appear to be drowned in the noise of our cultures, one man has devoted himself to restoring clarity to the Scriptures. Theodore Pestor emerged as a devoted servant of God, a minister, veteran, teacher, and author; hence, he must be called a theological architect who drew a blueprint for the understanding of God’s Word through the ages.
His magnum opus, The Essential Criteria of Dispensational Theology for the Professional and Layperson, was published in 2020 by Salem Autor Center/Xulon Press. It is a 416-page doctrinal manual designed to lend structure, symmetry, and spiritual seriousness to one of the most misunderstood parties within Christian paradigms: dispensational theology. The book is not just a work of scholarship; it stands as a colossal monument formed by years of spiritual maturing, pastoral ministrations, and unswerving commitment.
Now 80 years of age, Pastor Pestor is still passionately continuing to serve the church to provide clarity on theological matters. His book is being used in churches and seminaries and by individuals in their own homes, to impart a common interpretation of how God has been working to redeem humanity through the course of history. Now, the entire world is invited, through America Inspire Magazine, to meet the man, the message, and the movement behind this important work.
Early Life and a Lifelong Calling
Theodore Pestor’s journey began with his family, church, and the Scripture. By that time, it was clear that his path would be uniquely appointed. “By the age of eleven, I had a strong inner conviction that I didn’t want anyone to perish. I wanted people to understand and respond to God’s truth,” Pestor recalls.
That early flame never grew dim. After completing school, Pestor sallyed forth into service with the United States Marine Corps. Even in those years he knew about his call. Eventually, he went on to further his theological education at Grace Christian University in Michigan and received his degree in Bible and Theology, minoring in pastoral ministry, counseling, missions, and Christian education.
“I wasn’t just studying to pass exams,” said Pestor, “I was searching for the symmetry and unity in God’s Word. I wanted to know how it all connected.”
His ministry assignments included associate pastor, evangelist, Christian school administrator, and senior pastor. In all these ways, Pestor saw so many Christians burning with passion yet drifting doctrinally. That very observation bore the seed for his greatest work.
The Essential Criteria of Dispensational Theology
Dispensational theology provides a framework for understanding the Bible by dividing God’s interactions with humanity into distinct periods or “dispensations.” Each one is characterized by a specific stewardship, human responsibility, divine revelation, failure, and judgment. In Pestor’s hands, this framework is not merely academic; it is pastoral and accessible.
“There are seven major dispensations,” he explains, “each governed by seven universal operational principles.” These include:
- Universal truths that remain across all ages
- New rules that apply specifically to each dispensation
- Continuity and modification of previous laws
- Appointment of new stewards for each period
- Inevitable failure of humanity within the dispensation
- Transition marked by divine judgment
- Irreversible consequences leading into the next dispensation
Through this arrangement, an individual can be able to trace God’s redemptive plan from creation into eternity. One views how various passages of Scripture are seen to contradict each other and how they come into harmonious agreement when considered from a dispensational perspective.
A Theology of Clarity, Not Complexity
Probably the biggest contribution Pestor made was to make his theology accessible. Though deeply researched and grounded in Scripture, the book is intended for the everyday believer. “I didn’t write for scholars alone,” says he. “I wrote for people who love God and want to understand His Word.”
He rejects the notion of dispensationalism as too complex. “If people are confused,” he writes, “it is because teachers have emphasized fragments instead of the full picture. We are taught isolated verses without context, creating confusion.”
Rather, it unites Scripture from beginning to end, bridging the chasm between Old and New Testaments, between grace and justice, and between doctrine and life’s walk. “The Bible is not chaos,” he reminds his audience. “It is the ordered revelation of a sovereign God.”
A Personal and Spiritual Journey
Writing a 400-page theological treatise was no easy task. The professor is candid when discussing his struggles. “I’m not a trained writer,” he admits. “Grammar and spelling were hard. But God gave me the conviction to finish.”
Two things, being faithful to Scripture and being clear to his readers kept him on the path. Each chapter was prayed over, studied, and revised several times. “James 3:1 reminds us that teachers will be judged more strictly. That is something I took seriously.”
He also credits his wife and ministry team, who gave him encouragement throughout the years it took to complete the work.
Real People, Real Impact
Since the book has been published, countless thousands of people around the world have been touched, with responses from pastors, scholars, and lay believers.
“In a time of theological uncertainty, it is refreshing,” writes Dr. Rick Bloom, MRE, “to find a work that gives new understanding to God’s redemptive story. Pestor’s insights are especially powerful in describing Israel’s rejection of the Godhead.”
Pastor Charles Gaston said, “This book takes a complicated topic and makes it understandable and enjoyable. It strengthens faith and encourages hope.”
Lay readers also found it fantastic. Young believer Johnathon shared, “The reading of this book has already brought me unto God and I look forward to deepening my relationship with Jesus.”
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Ministry
He sees legacy not only in his books and readers but in his family as well. His children and grandchildren are now carrying the torch of faith into their own communities.
- His son Jeremy leads devotionals at www.pestorspointers.com• His daughter Karina and son-in-law Zach run Pestor World Wide Outreach Ministry and serve at Gowen Bible Church
• His daughter: Angela is a nurse, and her husband Pastor Josh, co-founder of nationwide youth leadership ministry ‘Download Youth Ministry,’ and is a leading voice in youth ministry with over 20 years of experience and blogger. www.downloadyouthministry.com) - Another daughter Jessica ministers daily to the elderly through her home care business facilitating them in their own home, while her husband Mark, is a General Contractor in home remodeling
- Several grandchildren are pursuing ministry, education, and law, including one who now serves as a youth pastor
Pestor speaks of them with humility and joy. “This is the real legacy,” he says. “Faith passed from one generation to the next.”
Resources and Continued Ministry
Pestor’s website, www.pestor.com, continues to serve as a hub for theological resources and discipleship tools. It includes sermons, book excerpts, charts, and teaching materials that complement his published work.
His book is available through:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Criteria-Dispensational-Professional-Layperson/dp/1632219654/
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-essential-criteria-of-dispensational-theology-for-the-professional-and-layperson-pastor-theodore-pestor-bth/1138220727
- Cokesbury, Books-A-Million, and eBay
- Publisher: Xulon Press (Salem Publishing)
- Audiobooks: coming soon – Global Reach with Trusted Retailers like: Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, Google Play Books, Scribd
If you’d like to learn more or get in touch with Pastor Pestor, you can visit his website and send him a message directly at: https://www.pestor.com/
Final Views and Invitation
The Essential Criteria of Dispensational Theology is much more than just a book. It is the testimony of a believer who has walked with God, who has studied the Word, and who has taught passionately and with integrity. It gives readers a new way to view Scripture, not as a mystical puzzle but as a message of order, grace, and purpose.
Here, he presents believers with a challenge: “Don’t settle for fragments. Seek the full counsel of God. In His dispensations, we see His justice, His grace, and His love.”
America Inspire Magazine is proud to feature Pastor Theodore Pestor in its 2025 Collection. The work he has done is a great contribution to the Church and a light for generations to come.
