|
 |
|
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. Paul Thompson. |
 |
Pastor Edward Donnelly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 QUESTIONS FOR YOUNG MINISTERS by Isaac Watts, D.D. Recently I obtained a copy of John Brown’s ‘The Christian Pastor’s Manual’. My first contact with this book was in the form of a recommendation at the London Metropolitan...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR, ONE OF CHRIST'S ASCENSION GIFTS. BY THE LATE REV. DR. ROBERT J. BRECKINRIDGE (1800-1871). "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians iv. 8." Please click-on or paste the...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
Theological Interest!!
This album contains pictures of some notable figures of the reformed faith, and other pictures of... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Directory for Elder Examination The following is a partial list of questions that The Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church uses to qualify those who (1) desire the office of an elder, and (2) are actually qualified for that office....[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
...continuation of the elder's examination... 34. Briefly give an account of Paul's conversion. 35. Briefly discuss Paul's apologetic in Acts 17. 36. What was decided at the Apostolic Council? What was left to be decided? 37.What is known about...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
97. What are the three requirements for any substantive change in the RPCGA's constitution? 98. Define ecclesiastical liberty. 99. What is the required response of an officer of the RPCGA in the event that a church member disturbs the peace of...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
11. Name five major religions in the world, and what is the content of their religious beliefs? 12. Why do we reject these religions? 13. What is homiletics? 14. What is the importance of preaching? 15. What type of preaching is considered...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
Another Pastoral QuizA little Quiz for the Pastor who studies. You are not allowed to use the Bible or any other Biblical help; nor may you ask the opinion of others, nor in books unless otherwise instructed. The only time the Bible may be used...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
152. Which governor of Judah did Haggai record, "I will take you, ____________ "I will take you, ____________ My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and will make you a signet ring; for I have chosen you says the Lord.?" 153. Who had a...[ abbreviated | read entire ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
get your own homepage | blog | photo albums | web store | iphone + mobile access | fun + easy! © 2009 SermonAudio.com. All rights reserved. Site Design: Animotion Studios