Church Matters: 9Marks Blog
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IV. We Are Looking for Men Who Are Already Recognized as "Elderly" - We want men who are known, because they attend. - We want men who are known as a person of love. - We want men who are known as a person of wisdom and knowledge and confidence - Discipling others, serving faithfully. - Putting the church’s interests above his own. - All this makes you a center of gravity in the church. Not a loyal opposition center-of-gravity, but a person whom the people of this church are already gravitating to as a pastoral figure. - We wan... [read more]
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In the past week and a half, I have been fielding more than my normal number of questions from people about the antichrist. It seems that the election results have gone in ways that make some Christians fear that the end times are upon us and evil is making its climactic rise to challenge the authority of God. Now first let me say that, as much as I am sinfully tempted to snigger at people who see the Book of Revelation under every rock, Christians certainly need to be wise and watchful as they live in a fallen world. So maybe the president-elect is the antichrist. But then again, may... [read more]
add to discussionPeople are rarely more aware of eternity than when they're on their deathbeds. This makes hospital visitation and visiting those who are sick a most important aspect of the Christian ministry. Yet, many pastors, sometimes myself included, would rather not be engaged in this vital work. We find ourselves awkward, unsure of what to say, hesitant about saying the wrong things--all of which are the after shocks of having our self-reliance exposed. If you're paying attention, hospital visitation is sanctifying in that way. Well, my good friend, Brian Croft, the faithful pastor of Auburndale Bapt... [read more]
add to discussionSomeone recently emailed us a question that really gets into the nitty gritty. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Here it isAt what point in the process should a prospective pastor ask about the financial package to be offered by the church? I don't want to come across as though that is all I am concerned about, yet I have a family to support and consider in the decision of whether or not this will be a fit for us. I understand that if this is where God has called us He will provide, but I also do not want to wait until it comes to a vote in the church to find out the package will not su... [read more]
add to discussionDo we leave counseling to the trained professionals, or do the leaders and members of your church need to take responsibility for the care of the sheep? Counseling is time-consuming and difficult, but it's an important part of life in the body of Christ. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands helps pastors and church members envision what wise, godly counsel looks like. Tripp sets forth a biblical model--LOVE, KNOW, SPEAK, DO--which gives you a framework to care for others. This is not wooden formula, but wholehearted, Christ-centered approached to love and care for... [read more]
add to discussionI was reading Richard Sibbes the other day (because, you know, that's what the cool kids do) and I came across a complaint of his. It seems that he was frustrated by Christians who made life decisions (like, for instance, where they should live) based on superficial criteria rather than the most important thing: the ability to hear God's Word preached. Sibbes writes: In our buildings and dwellings we look for good air, good soil, good neighbours, but where is the main? Who inquireth what minister have we? What means of salvation? Tush! this enters not into their thoughts; and thus d... [read more]
add to discussionWe've made a big deal of CCEF in the last e-journal, and deservingly so. They have written a lot of great books that are tremendous help to our congregation. Let me introduce to you one CCEF book that you might consider buying... How People Change is basically a book on sanctification. This book does a great job in setting forth a biblical theology of change and motivation. If you are looking to answer the question, "Why do people do the things they do?", this is a good book to read! Our own pastor (Mark Dever) has written about the book: &... [read more]
add to discussionIII. We Are Looking for Men Who Have a Pastoral Maturity and Confidence - A ship has ballast that keeps it from rocking too much and helps it to cut a steady course. We want men who have some obvious ballast in their lives. - Some of that is what Paul is getting at when he writes in Titus and Timothy, "not a recent convert" and "well thought-of by outsiders." - There is a lot we could talk about here. But just a few points: 1. Has a Compelling Command of Scripture. People trust you with Scripture and with wisdom. They trus... [read more]
add to discussionThabiti, I was a bit disappointed that my write-in campaign for blog king didn't make the CNN ticker. I thought for sure the Grand Cayman endorsement would lead to a ground swell. I love "A Faith Worth Sharing". Do you want to know the truth? I cried at the end. I want to go out the way that he did, evangelizing the nurses with my dying breaths. I wish I had had a chance to know him, but I am very influenced by his writings and his legacy. But you have baited me on to politics. I am always a little amazed at how the hopes of many Christians rise and fall with presidential pol... [read more]
add to discussionOkay, McKinely, you get the award for the most faithful blogging pastor. While everyone else either rejoices or mourns trivial matters like the election, you offer book plugs for the pastor who wants to evangelize and a swift kick for those of us anti-social hermits who hide in our studies refusing to meet with other pastors. Brother, I'll take your "get out the pastor" challenge. Good counsel. And thanks for the plug on The Pastor Evangelist. It's in my stack of things to read on evangelism this year, and you've just moved it up a notch or two. Actaully,... [read more]
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