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Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
Pastor to Pastor

The Ministry of Preaching (6)

Preaching is serioius business.

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2.16

The Christian Ministry: Part VI, chapter IV
Charles Bridges (1794-1869)
“The correct view of Scripture Preaching implies, that it be full and distinct in its statements, unctional in its tone, popular in its mode of address, experimental in its sympathies, direct and practical in its enforcement – in fine – deeply impregnated with the very language and spirit of Scripture, so that we may be able to turn to our people with warranted confidence, and say – We have the mind of Christ.

Preaching is serious business, as we know. It deals with serious matters – sin, salvation, sanctification, the hope of glory – and in ways that take seriously the promises of God. Preaching calls for serious consideration of the demands of Christ, and earnest longing for His blessing. We must be serious about this business, lest, by our casualness, we convey a message other than what God intends by His words. William Cowper insisted that to be a preacher like Paul one had to be “simple, grave, sincere;/In doctrine uncorrupt; in language plain;/And plain in manner; decent, solemn, chaste;/And natural in gesture; much impress’d/Himself, as conscious of his awful charge,/And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds/May feel it too…” (The Task). Well said.

How would you describe your preaching “style”? Serious? Experimental (deriving from and urging experience of the Lord)? Ask a few of the people you serve how they would characterize your pulpit manner and style.

T. M. Moore

Fan into Flame
As shepherds of the Lord’s flocks, we need to make sure we’re actually doing the work God has appointed to us, especially where the Word of God is concerned. Our handbook, Fan into Flame, provides a concise overview of the shepherd’s ministry of the Word, and includes helpful self-evaluation tools, so you can discover areas of needed improvement. Order your copy by clicking here.

Pastoral Hope Initiative
Does it seem that pastors have given up hope of seeing the Kingdom in their community? Do we really expect to see the goodness of the Lord – and His beauty and truth – in the land of the living? In the land where we live? Or is a vision of the church merely one of perpetuating the status quo indefinitely into the future? Where are you in your walk with and work for the Lord? The Pastoral Hope Initiative provides a series of assessments to help you determine where you and your church stand at this time, and how you might begin to move toward a more Kingdom-advancing future. Watch this brief video to find out more.

Help us build up the community of readers who are learning from great pastors of the past. Pass along this copy of Pastor to Pastor to a friend in ministry, and encourage him to sign-up at our website, www.ailbe.org, to receive it every day.

Your prayers and gifts make this ministry possible. Please seek the Lord in prayer about sharing with us at The Fellowship of Ailbe. You can use the Contribute button at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

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

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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