For Thanksgiving I am posting one of my favorite hymns of thanks. It was written in the 17th century by Lutheran pastor, Martin Rinkart, after his city had endured horrible death and devastation in the midst of the Thirty Years’ War (at one point he was leading 50 funerals a day). Yet, the city was …
In the dedication of his Expository Discourses on the Book of Genesis, Andrew Fuller wrote to his church reflecting on “pleasures we have enjoyed together in exploring the treasures of the lively Oracles.” This dedication is a beautiful, powerful testimony to the affection between pastor and people that is only heightened as they build a …
Continue reading ‘Andrew Fuller, Blessings of Preaching through Books’ »
Benjamin Keach was one of the leading Baptist pastors in England in the 17th century. In the memoir included in a 19th century reprint of his book, The Travels of True Godliness, the following assessment of his ministry is included (it is an excerpt from Crosby’s History of English Baptists). This is an excellent summary …
I have previously mentioned an address I had the opportunity to give which drew together key portions of my biblical and historical argument for the centrality of the oversight of souls in pastoral ministry. That presentation is now a chapter in the book, Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and the Future of Denominationalism, which is due out …
Continue reading ‘Hezekiah Harvey, Personal Dealing with Souls’ »
Here is a strong comment from 1960 by widely published Baptist pastor Franklin Segler on the centrality of the care of souls in pastoral ministry. “The care of souls is central in the church’s ministry. Therefore, pastoral care is a primary function of the pastoral office. No part of the pastor’s ministry is of greater …
I like to post here comments from various eras affirming the importance of shepherding and caring for the flock in day to day life. So here is a quote from McConnell’s Manual for Baptist Churches (1926): The pastor should be a student of men and books. He should know the people intimately and enter into …
Gospel Coalition has teamed up with BibleGateway.Com to provide a forum on Bible translation. Various Bible professors have provided answers to specific questions on translations and a few are posted each day. Currently the question being addressed is “What makes a translation accurate?” Today my answer to the question was posted. Answers from Denny Burk …
Here is a good word from 80 years ago. Let us shepherded the flock of God, seeing them as those bought with the blood of God (Acts 20:28), regardless of their number. The pastor should look after the spiritual needs of the church which honors him by electing him to this high and responsible office. …
As we celebrate Reformation Day again this year some may say that we simply glory in men, or revel only in historical dates, or gloss over the shortcomings of those involved. By no means! In celebrating the Reformation we celebrate the work of God in the recovery of the gospel, the greatest revival since Pentecost, …
John Gill in his commentary on Titus 1:5-9 speaks of the love a pastor should have for his people. He writes: “…if he is not a lover of them, their company will be disagreeable to him, and he will be of no advantage to them; and if he does not love the souls of men, …
Continue reading ‘John Gill on a Pastor Loving His People’ »