“Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13.16, 17

The Christian Ministry: Part I, chapter II
Charles Bridges (1794-1869)
 “A sense of the dignity of our office – accurately formed, carefully maintained, and habitually exercised – is therefore of the highest importance. It elevates the standard of Christian consistency even in the prospective consideration and choice of the work. For what is unsuitable to the Ministerial character is obviously unsuitable to the probationer for the Ministry. In the actual discharge of duty, the mind will thus be excited to a more solid and devoted consecration; and the whole man will be gradually formed in this heavenly mould – exalted, not elated. Dignity of character will thus correspond with dignity of station.”

We hear a good deal about the failure of character on the part of ministers these days. Why don’t we hear more about the dignity of their character? Why don’t more young men aspire to become ministers, like their pastor, when they grow up? The pastor must remember that he, like the people he serves, is called first of all to be something (Acts 1.8), and only in being such a person, to assay anything at all for the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul instructed us to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11.1). Surely it falls to ministers, first of all, to make this their priority in life. For unless we are pressing on toward the upward prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3.14), we cannot expect any of the people we serve to do so.

What temptations particularly assail a pastor’s character during any given week? How can we prepare to meet and overcome these (Rom. 12.21)?

Growing Spiritually
Pastors and churches must strive to grow spiritually, because all true and fruitful growth begins within. We cannot fulfill our Kingdom-and-glory calling from the Lord unless we are growing in our own lives, and in our churches as well. Our course, Introduction to Spiritual Theology, provides an overview of what it takes for us as pastors and our churches to get and stay on the cutting edge of growth. Read more about this free course, and register for it by clicking here.

Where are you in your walk with and work for the Lord?
Use our Personal Discipleship Ministry to assess the state of your Christian worldview. It’s free, and it can help you get some firm handles on your walk with and work for the Lord. Watch this brief video, then download the worksheet to discover areas where you need to grow in the Lord’s sufficiency.

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