Commenting on Paul’s statement that he cared for the Thessalonians as a father (1 Thess 2:11), Calvin articulates an important aspect of pastoral ministry. unquestionably, no one will ever be a good pastor, unless he shows himself to be a father to the Church that is committed to him. Nor does he merely declare himself […]
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Calvin on the Necessity of Care of Individual Members
Commenting on Acts 20:20 where Paul says he taught the Ephesians “both publicly and house to house,” Calvin states: This is the second point, that he did not only teach all men in the congregation, but also every one privately, as every man’s necessity did require. For Christ hath not appointed pastors upon this condition, […]
Hobbits & Hope
“Hope is more than an engine for endurance; it is the deep, heartfelt understanding that though we may fail in our mission, and though we may perish alone in the dark, the Shadow will pass away and goodness will triumph.” Louis Markos, On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis […]
Anthony Esolen on Masculinity and Pastoral Ministry
Anthony Esolen is a particularly gifted writer. If he wrote a phone book it would be interesting and quotable. His 2003 Touchstone essay “What Sports Illustrate: The Obvious Truth About Young Men & Religion” is an insightful discussion of culture, masculinity, sports and pastoral ministry. His introduction alone is full of valuable truths, but as […]
Pastoral Epistles at ETS
We will have the second meeting of our Pastoral Epistles study group at the Evangelical Theological Society this week. I have included below the information on date, time and place as well as the presenters and paper titles. I hope some of you will join us for what I think will be a significant conversation. […]
Sola Scriptura Preaching
This portion from the Diet of Speyer (1529) powerfully articulates the idea of sola scriptura and what it means for preaching. May we continue to have, nurture and celebrate such preaching. There is, we affirm, no sure preaching or doctrine but that which abides by the word of God. According to God’s command, no other […]
