The Work of Shepherds (8)

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17.6

Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937)
“It is upon this brotherhood of twice-born sinners, this brotherhood of the redeemed, that the Christian founds the hope of society. He finds no solid hope in the improvement of earthly conditions, or the molding of human institutions under the influence of the Golden Rule…Humans institutions are to be molded, not by Christian principles accepted by the unsaved, but by Christian men; the true transformation of society will come by the influence of those who have themselves been redeemed.”

A primary responsibility of pastoral ministry must be discipling the men in the church to live and bear witness for Christ. This cannot be done in classrooms or by preaching alone. While these have their place, making disciples is much more personal, intensive, practical, and prayerful than what typical church programs provide. It’s what Jesus did, and what He expects the shepherds of His flock to do, beginning with the men of the church. This is not to say that women don’t matter; they do, and, in general, they respond to discipleship opportunities much more readily than men. Jesus chose men. Paul surrounded himself with men. Today’s shepherds must do the same. If we want to change the world we must change the men of the church. And if we want to change them, we must change the way we are seeking to equip them for following Jesus.

Are the men of your church being equipped to turn your community upside down for Jesus Christ?

T. M. Moore

A Resource for Training Men
How can we equip men to live for Christ and be His witnesses? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church, and all the training and resources are free. Want to learn how it works? Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information. I would be happy to take you through this 6-month training regimen, and to help you get started using it in your church.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations from J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism(Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1923, 1974).