Edwards on the Ministry (17)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13.1

“Ministry would be great if it weren’t for the people.” I’ve heard variations of that sentiment on many occasions, and, while I know it’s always meant in jest, still, it contains a kernel of truth.

Working with miserable sinners is tough, especially since we’re miserable sinners ourselves. But when God puts it in our hearts to love those under our charge, every exertion on their behalf becomes an experience of joy and satisfaction, for then we know we are loving with the love of Jesus, and not on our own strength. The more we empty ourselves in loving service to others, the more room there is for our soul to be filled with Jesus.

Paul told the Corinthians that he would gladly spend and be spent for their souls (2 Cor. 12.15). This is the mark of one who truly loves the souls of the people he serves. Edwards wrote in “Christ the Example of Ministers”, “Ministers should be animated in this work by a great love to the souls of men, and should be ready to spend and be spent for them; for Christ loved them, and gave himself for them: he loved them with a love stronger than death. They should have compassion on men under their spiritual miseries, as Christ had pity on them.”

Which suggests that the place to nurture deep and constant love for the souls of those we serve is in the Presence of Jesus in prayer. Before Him, looking into the glory in His face, seeing the scars on His hands and feet, we can be renewed in love for others. We need that love every day, so we should be continuously in the Presence of the Lord, praying without ceasing and refusing to grow weary in it (Ps. 16.8; 1 Thess. 5.17; Lk. 18.1). 

Resources for Shepherds
Our weekly meeting of men to pray for revival is a time of emptying ourselves before the Lord on behalf of His Church, that He might revive the souls of His people and overflow His love to the world. Using a psalm to guide us, we gather from all over the country to pray, sing, and rejoice in the Presence of the Lord. Why not join us? We meet every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am. If you’d like to be added to our Zoom mailing list, just send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have you visited the Resources for Shepherds page at our website recently? You’ll find some new reviews of books and articles and some thoughtful insights to help you in seeking the Lord and growing in the knowledge of Jesus.

We have Readers available to guide you through our free course, “Parameters of Prayer”. This six-lesson study will help you stretch out and go deeper in your prayers. It’s a free resource you can use for leadership training or making disciples. Each of the six lessons has seven parts. Read and reflect, then answer the questions for discussion at the end. You can take the course on your own, or one of our Fellowship Brothers will happily meet with you via Zoom to review each lesson. If you’re interested, send an email to David Timbie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have you ordered your free copy of Fan into Flame yet? Click here to order, and let this handbook on ministry guide you to a clearer vision and firmer grasp of our calling to the ministry of the Word.

From the Celtic Revival
These days it’s fashionable in some evangelical circles to pooh-pooh the Law of God, saying it’s not the way to salvation and it’s not needed in these days of grace. Of course, neither Jesus nor Paul nor John taught this. They set the example for Colum Cille, the founder of the Iona community and a great missionary, saint, and scholar:

By the grace of God Colum rose to exalted companionship;
awaiting bright signs, he kept watch while he lived.
His lifetime was short,
scant portions filled him.
He was learning’s pillar in every stronghold,
he was foremost at the book of complex Law.

  - Dallàn Forgaill, Amra Choluimb Chille, Irish, 6th century[1]

Sign up to receive Crosfigell every Tuesday and Thursday and learn more from and about the great leaders of the Celtic Revival (430-800 AD).

To learn more about the Celtic Revival, write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I’ll send you a free copy of our PDF, The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction.

T. M. Moore

Cowper on Preaching
William Cowper, hymn writer and poet, offered some compelling and convicting insights into the work of preaching in his lengthy poem, The Task. Our book, An Essay on Preaching, arranges those excerpts into a concise overview of Cowper’s views on late 19^th century preaching in England. A free copy awaits you by clicking here.

Please pray
It is our privilege to provide resources and opportunities to equip and encourage church leaders in building the Lord’s Church and advancing His Kingdom. Please pray that God will move many of those we serve through this ministry to share with us financially in its support. If the Lord moves you to give, you can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal or Anedot, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[1] Clancy and Márkus, p. 107.