D. A. Carson

This is definitely one of the greatest sermons/addresses I’ve ever listened to on the nature of pastoral ministry.  It’s by D. A Carson so I’m not surprised.  It’s been out for a while but I just found it last week.

Here’s where I found it over at 9Marks.  And here’s a download link and an audio player to listen to it here on my site.

• (Download link)

• Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

John MacArthur’s got a three-part series of articles on how to endure in the ministry.  Very beneficial stuff…and better still, very practical stuff.  Here’s are his 10 practical thoughts on an enduring ministry:

1. Don’t arrive unless you plan to stay.
2. Learn to be patient.
3. Don’t be afraid to change.
4. Study to know God, not just to make sermons.
5. Be thankful and be humble.
6. Don’t lose sight of the priority.
7. Expect to work hard.
8. Trust the Word to do its work.
9. Always depend on the Lord.
10. Don’t just leave to leave.

Some points on this list may seem a little ambiguous.  I’ll let MacArthur explain himself.  Find these ten points with additional commentary here:

• Practical Thoughts on an Enduring Ministry—Part 1
• Practical Thoughts on an Enduring Ministry— Part 2
• Practical Thoughts on an Enduring Ministry—Part 3

In case I’ve never mentioned it before on this site, John MacArthur is the man.  I listen to at least one of his sermons nearly every week.  In fact, I’m always looking for new places to find resources and new preachers to listen to.

What preachers or ministries help you most often?

Leave a comment and let us all know who’s online resources help you.  If possible, give a link to their website or online sermon archives.  Thanks!

Pastor Gumball, by Naked Pastor

This artwork from Naked Pastor is disturbing.  (Don’t be worried by his name, though.  I can assure you everything in this post is fully clothed.)

It’s disturbing because its true.  How many pulpits in churches around the globe are more like contemporary Christian candy stores than platforms from which the great and deep truths of God’s Word are passionately and consistently expounded?  I’m afraid the answer is a simple but scary, “Too many.”

Preachers, let’s make sure that we don’t, as Naked Pastor put it, “Trivialize the truth for the sake of popularity.”

What truths do you think are trivialized and turned into “gumballs” most often?

Here are a few posts I’m currently working on for the blog:

• 15 Temptations for Pastors
• What Does ‘Trusting God’ (a la Prov. 3:5) Actually Look Like?
• What Purpose Should God’s Law Serve in Our Lives?
• A Few Truths on the Practice of Giving and Serving in the Church

I’m curious whether anyone out there has input, or advice, or could point me towards resources (preferably free) to make these posts as biblical, relevant, and helpful as they can be?

So…anyone?