The observation is often made in regards to the Christian Pastor, his wife and children, that their lives are never quite the same, that 'they must watch their step' as the scrutinising eyes of the congregation are always upon them, how true! A pastor must take heed as to his walk and dealings with his fellow men, ensuring that his family and wife are 'ruled well' declaring him to be a fit instrument and qualified for the office of undershepherd. A minister of Christ may be criticised for his pulpit foibles or his tendencies to labour some aspect of doctrine more than another, he may be applauded at the door for his excellent sermon and be told how much of a blessing that the message was to that dear saint of God, what a blessed thing that can be. However, it is lamentable that the one aspect of the pastor that often does not come under scrutiny particularly by his own congregation is the condition of his own soul. If i could qualify that statement by saying, that a pastor is generally although wrongly considered to be resilient to discouragement, after all he is studying the word all week, he is a man of prayer etc etc...we all know the concept that is universally abroad, however, a minister carries so much upon his soul, pastoral difficulties, the spiritual concerns of his sheep, the progress of his work, all these things may lead to his soul not being in a happy state, tiredness sets in, he feels weary, he believes he should maybe consider quitting, at times he feels like exclaiming, 'no man careth for my soul." All pastors i am sure will experience this at some point or another, yet the discouraged heart of their pastor often goes unnoticed by the congregation and even the elders, the psuedo concept prevails, "Only the members of session and laity are allowed to be discouraged, but not the minister.!" Dear brothers in Christ it may be a good thing to instruct our congregation in this respect that we are but men, subject to like passions as they are, we must labour to remove the thought of a supposed superior spirituality that supposedly protects us from being disheartened in the work...I do not intend by my comments to undermine the spiritual strength of a pastor, but let it be said that God does bring his pastors through trying times, he tests them in the preliminary trials with the foot soldiers in order to see if they will run in the Olympic's with the horses.
Having said the above i want to recommend to every Christian minister this sermon by Prof. Donnelly, it is succinct and to the point, it will warm your heart and reveal God's purpose of love in calling you to the pastorate. Many sermons have been given with the intention of encouraging God's servants, but this one tells it the way it is! I would say that listening to this sermon was probably the most profitable half hour i have spent in sermon listening as a long time. May God bless this refreshing and invigorating message to your heart.
Our family worshiped at Ballymena Free Presbyterian Church Northern Ireland under the Ministry of Rev John Greer formerly of Malvern Free Presbyterian Church USA. After serving a ministerial internship in Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church (Northern Ireland), the Lord in His kind Providence has opened a door of service for us as a family in Mount Merrion Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast. Together with my wife Kay we are raising our six children, Adam 6yrs, Lois 4.5yrs, Charlotte 3.5yrs, Aaron 2.5yrs ,Johannah 1.5yrs and Daniel 3 months.
"Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ..." Ephesians Ch1:3
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