I've been enjoying a good bit of diverse reading this summer. One of the books I recently finished is Jared Wilson's Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor. I have no intention (nor desire) to write a full-fledged review of the book ... but I would like to share a handful of wise nuggets that Wilson shares.
1. Calling to & Preparation for Ministry
First, Wilson observes that an internal sense of calling to ministry is never sufficient, nor is an external call to ministry (i.e., someone suggesting to you that you ought to consider being a pastor) an effectual call. A lengthy quote from Wilson illustrates the wisdom he presents:
"What the call is primarily aimed at is not a title, nor even an office in the church, but a qualification of the heart! In other words, you don't have to be qualified (yet) for ministry to be called to it; but, in such cases, the call to ministry should be taken as a call to pursue qualification for that ministry.
"This is really important, because sometimes Christians are prone to saying things like, 'God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.' This is a half-truth, insofar as God very often calls the qualified; however, when he calls the unqualified, he really does mean for them to become qualified before they assume responsibility for a congregation. ... A call alone is not permission for the pastorate. ...
"Calling does not replace qualification. The call to ministry, then, is a call to become qualified or a call to maintain one's qualifications. This is why fallen pastors must start at the place of the new convert. There can be no immediate restoration to the office of ministry." (Gospel-Driven Ministry, pp. 19-20)
The reminder here is that God clearly articulates qualifications for ministry in such places as 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 3; a person who feels called to ministry but does not meet those qualifications is, therefore, not qualified for ministry! Before serving as a pastor, they need preparation.
2. What Is Preaching?
Wilson provides a helpful definition of preaching: "Proclamation that exults in the exposing of God's glory in Christ." (GDM, p. 59) I have nothing to add - just thought this is a good starting place to understand the pastor's role in the pulpit.
3. When Baptism?
I have become increasingly concerned with Evangelical Christianity's tendency to immediately baptize (or accept into membership) people of just about any age upon a profession of faith in Christ. Two cautions and a reminder from Wilson put my concerns into effective words.
"Individual believers disconnected from a church should not conduct baptisms, and those baptized should be seen as being baptized into the membership of a church. Therefore, I offer two cautions for modern ministers.
"First, you should hesitate to baptize any person you would not immediately incorporate into full membership in your church. If you do not allow children of certain ages full membership privileges, you should not baptize them. (Conversely, if you do baptize them, confident in the credibility of their profession of faith, you should grant them membership privileges, ... and treat them as full members of the church.)
"Secondly, the practice of so-called 'spontaneous baptisms' should be heavily scrutinized. From the case of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), we may say that exceptions might be made, and yet normally we should only baptize those who have given a credible profession of their faith - they can articulate the biblical gospel without coaching, they demonstrate a simple understanding of basic Christian orthodoxy, they are able to testify to the work of the Spirit in their lives, they are conscious of their repentance and able to testify to it as well, and they can explain what baptism is and why they want to experience it - and who will become discipled members of the church." (GDM, p. 107)
In many American church contexts, we are plagued by the dual diseases of "re-baptisms" and "backsliders", both of which, in my estimation, could be effectively eradicated by more thorough pre-baptism preparation and vetting.
4. Encountering Conflict and Hostility in Ministry
Conflict is bound to come in any human institution, including one headed by Jesus Christ. Conflict and hostility in the church therefore should not surprise the local pastor. Sometimes that conflict is centered around personalities; other times it focuses on the Gospel and/or the mission of the church. The response of the pastor needs to depend upon the source and nature of the conflict. Wilson's wisdom:
"The wisdom that comes from the experience of hostility also helps you discern the difference between the patient spirit (Eccl. 7:8) and the rush to anger (Eccl. 7:9). How do you know when to stick up for yourself, and how do you know when to suffer conflict without defense?
"In 1 Corinthians 6:7, Paul says to the church embroiled in retribution against one another, 'Why not rather be wronged?' But elsewhere he confronts Peter to his face. He names the names of divisive people. He calls the Galatians foolish. When hostility pushes us to God, it ushers us into the wisdom of knowing when we're only seeking personal retribution or if the gospel and the safety of the flock are at stake. Wisdom is knowing the difference. Is the conflict simply something at which you've taken offense? An interpersonal difference? Or does it compromise the gospel, the mission, and the integrity of the church?" (GDM, p. 177)
5. The Relational Base of Ministry
The relational base of ministry is not the pastor's relationship with members of his congregation; rather, it is his vital and living relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Above all the practical counsel, above all the congregational insight, above all the theological explanation, the most important thing I want pastors of churches to know is that they get to be friends with God. ...
"Yes, you serve him, but not to earn his pleasure. He already delights in you. He already rejoices over you. His smile is already upon you. Christ has measured up on your behalf. Christ mas made the sacrifice required for you to be square with God, so there's no need to keep paying down a debt with your ministry. The debt has been paid. You are not earning your keep!
"Beat this into your own head continually. The burden of pastoral ministry ought to drive us constantly into the position of recentering on the gospel every day. Rehearsing our conversion. Reconverting, as it were, every day. There is so much joy to be had in the simple privilege of knowing Jesus and being his friend." (GDM, pp. 212-213)
6. Learning Vs. Experience
They say that seminary cannot adequately prepare you for pastoral ministry. Why?
"They can tell you about all kinds of things in seminary that only the experience of going through them can actually teach you. When I began my ministry to the local church, I was fully aware of the reality that people get sick and die. But no amount of foreknowledge could really prepare me for the sight, the sound, and even the smell of one of Christ's beloved lambs on the verge of death." (GDM, p. 223)
I learned a great deal from Jared Wilson's Gospel-Driven Ministry. Even though I am no longer serving in full-time church-related ministry, I consider my teaching position at Oklahoma Baptist University to be a vocational ministry. I appreciated Wilson's gospel focus, his years of experience, and the kernels of truth that will hopefully help make me a better layperson supporting my own local church pastor!
No comments:
Post a Comment