Erik Raymond writes a helpful article to pastors that centers around this thought:
Effective preachers are those who have been personally moved by the text before they attempt to see others moved by the text.
What are your thoughts?
Sinclair Ferguson on “The Ministry”
I just noticed that Monergism.com has posted some helpful sermons by a faithful preacher on the issue of the ministry. Here is their description and the links–
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson (born 1948) is a Scottish theologian known in Reformed Christian circles for his teaching, writing, and editorial work. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and has been an minister in the Church of Scotland since 1971. He has served as an editor with the Banner of Truth Trust and worked as a minister at St George’s-Tron Church, Glasgow.
Ferguson is currently Senior Minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He has previously held the Charles Krahe Chair for Systematic Theology at Westminster Philadelphia. He has also taught at other reformed protestant seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary.
Called to the ministry (MP3)
Preaching the Word (MP3)
The minister’s prayer (MP3)
The unction of the minister (MP3)
(From Monergism)
Filed under preaching
A Pastor’s Monday (Reinke)
Desiring God posted a very insightful article by Tony Reinke called “A Pastor’s Monday” that I wanted to pass along to you. It starts off as follows:
Mondays are notoriously difficult for pastors. If you are not a pastor, pray for your pastor today as you read through this post. If you are a pastor, listen to the words of pastor Jared Wilson as he describes the structure of his Mondays, along with the personal challenges he faces as another week begins. Here’s what he writes…
Filed under preaching
Make Them See Christ Crucified
“Let those who would discharge aright the ministry of the gospel learn, not merely to speak and declaim, but to penetrate into the consciences of men, to make them see Christ crucified, and feel the shedding of his blood. When the Church has painters such as these, she no longer needs the dead images of wood and stone, she no longer requires pictures; both of which, unquestionably, were first admitted to Christian temples when the pastors had become dumb and been converted into mere idols, or when they uttered a few words from the pulpit in such a cold and careless manner, that the power and efficacy of the ministry were utterly extinguished.”
–John Calvin, Commentary on Galatians, p. 81.
Filed under preaching
Expositors Summit 2012 at Southern Seminary
I am pumped—I just signed up for the Expositors Summit 2012 at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. A great seminary, a great lineup, a great conference, and a time for me to recharge my batteries in my primary calling—preaching the gospel!
Any of you in?
Filed under preaching
Russell Moore: Good News for Bad Preachers
Russell Moore gives some great insight and encouragement for young ministers who, when starting out, will preach terrible sermons. He encourages you in how to proceed. Good stuff!
How Should a Pastor Respond to a Compliment About His Sermon?
One of my favorite blogs is Practical Shepherding, a blog for pastors by pastor and author Brian Croft. He just posted on his blog some helpful tips on how pastors should take compliments about their sermons. Worth the read!
Filed under preaching
