ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
The signs and marks of a true bishop are laid down in the Word for the guidance of the church; and if in following such guidance the brethren see not in us the qualifications, and do not elect us to office, it is plain enough that however well we may evangelize, the office of the pastor is not for us. Churches are not all wise, neither do they all judge in the power of the Holy Ghost, but many of them judge after the flesh; yet I had sooner accept the opinion of a company of the Lord’s people than my own upon so personal a subject as my own gifts and graces.
At any rate, whether you value the verdict of the church or no, one thing is certain, that none of you can be pastors without the loving consent of the flock; and therefore this will be to you a practical indicator if not a correct one.
RESOURCE FOR PASTORS
3 things your children’s ministry workers need to hear this year
You know that children’s ministry doesn’t happen automatically — a team of men and women are serving, praying, and planning so that kids in your church can learn in a safe and fun environment.
As you plan for the new year, here are three things every pastor needs to tell their children’s ministry workers in 2023.
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this quotation in your own preaching to describe our need for Christ.
The dove is hunted by the hawk, and finds no security from its restless enemy. It has learned that there is shelter for it in the cleft of the rock, and it hastens there with gladsome wing. Once wholly sheltered within its refuge, it fears no bird of prey. But if it did not hide itself in the rock, it would be seized upon by its adversary. The rock would be of no use to the dove, if the dove did not enter its cleft. The whole body must be hidden in the rock. What if ten thousand other birds found a fortress there, yet that fact would not save the one dove which is now pursued by the hawk! It must put its whole self into the shelter, and bury itself within its refuge, or its life will be forfeited to the destroyer.
Jesus invites all those who labour and are heavy laden to come to him, and he will give them rest. He does not promise this to their merely dreaming about him. They must COME; and they must come to HIM, and not merely to the church, to baptism, or to the orthodox faith, or to anything short of his divine person.
THANKS FOR READING
Brothers,
We cannot shepherd our people “without the loving consent of the flock.” It doesn’t matter how strong our vision is or how much conviction we hold, we cannot lead people by force. We are not to lead by “lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).
If this newsletter is encouraging, please share it with another pastor. You can forward this email to a pastor you know.
If someone forwarded this email to you, sign up to get another one every week. Click here to subscribe.
Blessings to your ministry,
Doug H.
Creator of SpurgeonBooks
Preaching Pastor of Pillar Church of Washington DC