Fulfill Your Ministry: An Installation Charge
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to deliver an installation charge. The charge was aimed at reminding the elders of their role as shepherds, exhorting the elders (and the church) to fulfill their calling, and encouraging the elders with the grandeur of the office.
Pastor, Your Body Keeps the Score
Series: Pastoral Ministry Collection
The emotional and spiritual weight of normal ministry is very heavy by itself. Good pastors take seriously the reality that they are responsible for the souls of their flocks, that they will give an account for all the precious people stewarded to them. Add to that normal weight conflict, harsh treatment, gossip, false accusations, weaponized disappointments, the frequent loneliness of leadership, financial stressors, and the like, and — well — the pastor’s body will keep the score.
I Don’t Want To Be A Pastor Anymore
Series: Pastoral Ministry Collection
God has created a culture where brokenness, transparency, and honesty are welcomed, not shunned.
Episode 180: Brief Thoughts on Bivocational Ministry
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the challenges of a bivocational pastorate and offer some advice on navigating the ministry circumstances well.
Pastors and Their Critics: A Book Review
Every pastor, at some point in their ministry, will encounter criticism.
Episode 172: Preacher Pet Peeves
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss some things preachers do they wish they wouldn’t (and a few things they’re glad they do).
Spurgeon the Pastor: An Interview with Geoff Chang
Geoff Chang serves as Assistant Professor of Historical Theology and Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Seminary. In his latest book, Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry, Chang focuses on an often-overlooked aspect of Spurgeon’s life, his pastoral ecclesiology. He addresses topics such as church gatherings, baptism and the […]
Thoughts on Becoming a Pastor (Again)
I have slept better in the last seven years as a non-pastor than I did the years previous. And as the three other recently voted-in elders and I took our pastoral oaths, I felt the heaviness settle back onto my shoulders. Not in an ominous or otherwise negative way; not at all. But simply as a sobering reminder of the noble task (1 Tim. 3:1).
Episode 166: Jonathan Dodson on The Unwavering Pastor
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Jonathan Dodson about his new book, “The Unwavering Pastor”, and how ministry leaders can navigate this strange and trying new season with grace and endurance.
Pastor, Jesus Doesn’t Care How Big Your Church Is
When you get to the end of your race, you will not be judged on how many people you shepherded. You will have to give an account for how you shepherded, of course—but not how many.