What does a pastor do when he begins to lose heart for his role and task? In 2 Corinthians chapter four Paul provides us with three heart-protecting, heart-strengthening realities for the disheartened pastor. First, we considered The Call of Christian Ministry. The call to Christian ministry is not just a call to proclamation, but also a call to suffering. 2. The Context of Christian Ministry Paul marveled at being called to “this ministry,” but he harbored no illusions that it would…
Numbering Our Days in 2016
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 Looking for some direction and inspiration for 2016? Look no further. Have I got a Psalm for you: Psalm 90. This is Moses’ only contribution to the Psalms. And what a contribution it is. Each day, I do pretty much all I can to avoid making eye contact with death. I don’t want to be reminded about death. I don’t want to be…
When a Pastor Loses Heart, Part 2
What does a pastor do when he begins to lose heart for his role and task? In 2 Corinthians chapter four Paul provides us with three heart-protecting, heart-strengthening realities for the disheartened pastor. 1. The Call of Christian Ministry No pastor will long retain a heart for the ministry if he loses sight of his call to the ministry. Paul’s awareness of the nature and purpose of his call strengthened and protected him from joyless ministry. Paul references this call…
James’ Take On Job
There is a verse buried deep in the book of James where Job is referenced. It’s the only New Testament reference to Job personally: “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11) James assumes his original audience is familiar with Job’s story. It would not be wise for a pastor to make this assumption today for many are not intimately familiar with his…
When a Pastor Loses Heart, Part 1
“Pray that I would not bomb so often when I preach,” said my friend after I inquired how I could pray for him. My pen froze. I looked up, incredulous. I could not bring myself to write it down. But the expression on his face was serious; he was not joking. He wanted me to ask God that he not bomb so often when he preaches. Mind you, this was not a seminary student in his first homiletics class or…