Be Confessional: Preach the Whole Counsel of God
Young ministers should avoid seeking a singular doctrine or method to achieve church transformation, as no “golden key” exists. Instead, they are encouraged to anchor their ministry in comprehensive biblical truth, particularly historic confessions like the Second London Confession, ensuring balanced preaching that shapes their congregations faithfully.
Reformation is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Young ministers should approach church reformation with patience and humility, understanding it as a long-term endeavor rather than a quick fix. It is essential to diagnose issues thoroughly and foster trust within the congregation. Ministry focuses on Christ’s work and requires perseverance, emphasizing the need for personal growth alongside congregational development.
Remember Your Family: They Bear the Cost as Well
The Pastor’s family is not called into the ministry with him, but they often bear many of the burdens. Ministers should protect, nurture, and value their families, ensuring that responsibilities at home and church are balanced to avoid failure in either sphere. We serve Christ in the church, but must be consistent in our service to him in the home as well.
At the Start: Embracing the Cost of Ministry
When people give advice to new ministers, it often sounds grandiose, filled with soaring theology and lofty rhetoric. Though we must never undermine its theological profundity, I want to be honest with you about the practical reality; to be a Minister of the Gospel is serious hard graft. If you’re thinking about stepping into it, understand what you’re signing up for, because it will put demands on every corner of your life.
A Bulwark for Troubled Times
The importance of building biblical churches is emphasized, facing contemporary challenges such as hyper-individualism, shallow leadership, and cultural pressures. Seven key issues threaten this mission, reflecting a spirit antagonistic to biblical integrity. To counter these challenges, reliance on historic confessions of faith is vital for strength and unity in the Church’s purpose.
The Importance of Confessionalism Amidst Cultural Decline
After the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage in 2015, the biblical teachings on marriage remain unchanged. Steve Meister notes how the historical consensus of Christian doctrine on marriage contrasts with cultural pressures. Meister argues that advocating for Confessionalism is crucial to resist these pressures, affirming traditional interpretations of Scripture amid societal shifts.
“Crisis of Confidence” by Carl R. Trueman – Some Thoughts
Carl Trueman’s revised edition of “The Creedal Imperative,” titled “Crisis of Confidence,” addresses the growing opposition to creeds in contemporary culture. He examines the impact of consumerism, technology, and individualism on church practices. The book advocates for a return to confessionalism in churches, highlighting its necessity amid a changing cultural landscape.
Are Confessions of Faith Useful to the Church? Here are Five Reasons Why They Are…
Many churches that subscribe to a confession of faith often seem to make little use of it. While their confession may be on file formally, it has little functional value in the congregation’s life. Are Confessions of Faith any use to the local church? And if so, how are they supposed to be used?
Born Of God, Born Of A Woman
By Oliver Allmand-Smith The Lord Jesus Christ was born of God and born of a woman; truly divine and truly human. That the Scripture reveals this to us is beyond dispute, but why is it so important that he is both born of God and born of a woman? What does it mean and what […]
Understanding Wickedness
By Oliver Allmand-Smith Can you make sense of the hate-fuelled conflict and destruction of life we are currently witnessing? Do you understand it? The world today has no answer to these evils, no way of understanding them, and no explanation for them. Western cultures insist all humanity is essentially good; but if that is the […]
Confessions as Spiritual Tools Part 1
by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Written confessions of the faith are tools in the school of the Holy Spirit (the church) for aiding and renewing the church’s task of confessing the truth. Confession and formulation of confessional texts are a product of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit; in turn, confessional texts aid the […]
The Guides We’ve Been Waiting For
Confessing the Faith: Volumes 1 & 2 by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Click to View in Bookshop Studying a confession is a fascinating and edifying exercise. It involves a bit of time travel. The document was written at a certain point in history for particular purposes. The Second London Confession comes out of the history […]
Clarity & Unity or Distraction & Tribalism?
Clarity & Unity or Distraction & Tribalism? by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Do Confessions of Faith distract and undermine gospel unity? Does unity based on an extensive Confession elevate what are often called secondary doctrines and practices to the level of the doctrines of first importance? Do they promote doctrinal distortion or distractions from the core gospel? […]
Preaching: A Reflection
Preaching as the Primary Means of Grace: A Reflection by Jonny Woodrow I have often thought that a book on pastoral ministry along the lines of?The Secret Barrister?? it would need to be written by an anonymous elder – would sell well. I suspect that a collection of stories on what really goes on throughout […]
The Broken Wharfe Story
Broken Wharfe is one of the oldest wharves in London located on the river Thames. The Meeting House “Broken Wharfe, according to Stow, is ‘so called of being broken and fallen into the Thames;’ but others have affirmed that it was here old worn-out vessels were broken up.” [Harrison’s Description of England in Shakspeare’s Youth, […]