The Shepherd’s Example (3)
…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3.18
Charles Spurgeon understood what must be primary in the life of a shepherd: “Whatever his natural gifts, whatever his mental powers may be, he is utterly out of court for spiritual work if he has no spiritual life; and it is his duty to cease the ministerial office until he has received this first and simplest of qualifications for it” (Lectures to My Students).
This may seem so basic as not to require any discussion. But I have worked closely with pastors for more than forty years, and it never ceases to surprise me to learn that many—perhaps most—of the pastors I’ve known have very shallow spiritual lives.
They don’t pray much. Their time in the Scriptures is all business—getting ready to preach. They give very little time to meditation or solitude. They have almost no sense of spiritual vision and very little excitement in their walk with the Lord. No wonder the flocks of God are so marginal to life in our society.
Jesus must increase in us, and we must decrease. But that doesn’t just happen by carrying out whatever our “spiritual work” requires of us week-in and week-out. Our “natural gifts” cannot replace spiritual ones, and “mental powers” are no match for the mind of Christ. It is a shepherd’s “duty” to attend to the care and nurture of his soul, for unless we are diligent in this, we will not be able to lead the Lord’s sheep into a greater experience of our great salvation or a fuller realization of His Kingdom.
Teaching and learning as disciples
Join me and Dr. Mike McQueen as we continue our conversations about discipleship. Click the link or the audio bar at the top of this teaching letter to access our most current discussion.
Resources for ShepherdsLike Jesus, shepherds are to lead their sheep. But where? Certainly, into the continuing work of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what is that? Our workbook, The Ongoing Work of Christ: The Book of Acts and Beyond, can help give you clarity on this. We’ll be teaching this study in our fall Men’s Bible Study. If you’d like to begin that study now, or if you simply want to study this material on your own, click here to download your free copy.
Men, have you considered taking the “Sonship” course? This excellent vehicle for shaping your soul and life is available through The Fellowship of Ailbe. Here’s a brief video introducing the course and showing you how to register.
Men, need a fresh injection of vision and energy in your ministry? Our Pastoral Hope Initiative leads you through a series of studies, assessments, and exercises to refresh your calling and re-energize your walk with and work for the Lord. Watch this brief introductory video, then sign up to work through the seven online sessions that can reinvigorate your ministry.
Men, have you ever wanted to use writing as part of your ministry? Our Ailbe Seminary course, “The Writing Pastor”, can help you understand how writing can enhance your ministry and help you get started in it. It’s an intensive introduction to writing for ministry, and you can learn more about it and register for this free course by clicking here.
From the Celtic Revival
Brendan of Clonfert (fl. ca. 560 AD):
Brendan then set forth with his company, leaving their blessing with the prior of the monastery…And Brendan then went westwards, and fourteen brethren with him, till he reached the island of a holy father named Enda of Aran…And when the boat was ready, Brendan bade his company embark in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
- The Life of Brendan of Clonfert
In a leather boat, no less. Can this be true? Did a leading 6th-century Irish saint sail with his companions over the Atlantic Ocean in a leather boat? Why? What were they seeking? And does this story have any historical basis? We’re seeking to uncover the historical thread and practical benefits of Brendan’s story. The meditation accompanying the quote above can be found here.
Follow Brendan’s adventure of faith—which, while certainly historical, is in many ways a parable for every believer’s journey in the Lord. Add our twice-weekly Crosfigell teaching letter to your subscriptions.
The Celtic Revival (ca 430-800 AD) is a neglected period of Church history. There is much to learn from the great saints and leaders whose work, over nearly four centuries, “saved civilization” (Thomas Cahill). Here are some additional free resources in our bookstore to help you discover why we think this period is worth revisiting:
Patrick: A Devotional History
Colum Cille: A Devotional History
Columbanus: A Devotional History
The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction
Lives of Irish Saints: A Tribute
Living to Rule: An Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality
The Theology of the Celtic Revival II: Foundations
We hope you’ll have a look.
T. M. Moore
If you have found this issue of Pastor to Pastor helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest this week: Our current ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” is dealing with the time of our livesand how we make more of this for the progress of Christ’s Kingdom. In our Read Moore column, we continue working our way through the book, Understanding the Times. And I encourage you follow our Corsfigell series on Brendan of Clonfert, nicknamed “The Navigator.” Join us and find out why. Click the Articles tab on the home page to see all the selections available to you.
Support for Pastor to Pastor comes from our faithful and generous God, who moves our readers to share financially in our work. If this article was helpful, please give Him thanks and praise.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
