A Pastor Who is Entirely Devoted of Heart to His Ministry and His People

August 17, 2008

I can only imagine what kind of ministry a pastor would have given the following philosophy of ministry.

1 Timothy 4:13-16

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

From The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges (speaking of ministers) — First Published in 1830

The great Shepherd, indeed, who gave himself for, gave us to, the flock [Eph. 4:8-11]; and there is no more responsible thought connected with our work, than the obligation of giving ourselves to our people, so that they shall be led to prize us as a gift from Christ.

We will consecrate our whole time, our whole reading, our whole mind and heart to this service. We are to be labourers, not loiterers, in the Lord’s vineyard; not doing his work with a reluctant heart, as if we did it not, as if we feared being losers by him, or giving him more than he deserved. The pastoral dignity is really the condition of a servant. It obliges a man to devote himself entirely to Jesus Christ, and to his Church.

Our responsibilities demand an entire devotedness of spirit to every soul, as if it were the sole object of our care. ‘It ought therefore to be our solemn and cheerful determination, to refrain from studies, pursuits, and even recreations, that may not be made evidently subservient to the grand purpose of our Ministry.

Posted in Book, Ministry