9Marks

Editor’s Note: This article is taken from Church Matters, the 9Marks journal for pastors, in the issue titled “The Pastor and Suffering.” Abstract: Jeremy Todd reflects on the painful experience of being fired for his preaching, even as he recounts the invaluable lessons the Lord taught him in the process. Pastors should find their identity in Christ, not in a ministry position. And they must not assume that the church understands or agrees with them on important biblical truths.

Abstract: Sam Koo reviews Vermon Pierre’s Dearly Beloved, a book that emphasizes the analogy of God’s marital love for his people as the kind of love that ought to characterize the love God’s people have for one another. While Pierre helpfully communicates the reality and depth of God’s love, Scripture does not emphasize God’s marital love as the basis for our love for other believers.

This article is taken from Church Matters, the 9Marks journal for pastors, in the issue titled “The Pastor and Suffering.” Abstract: Kevin McKay points pastors to the reality that suffering in pastoral ministry is often quiet and slow, taking place in small increments rather than in one dramatic act. A pastor’s role and responsibilities make him particularly vulnerable to being underappreciated or even opposed.

Abstract: Pastor Joshua Chatman outlines four essential responsibilities of pastors based on Scripture’s teaching in passages such as John 21:15–18 and 1 Peter 5:1–3. As shepherds of Christ’s flock, pastors have the privilege and responsibility to lead, feed, protect, and care for the people Christ has put under their oversight. If you click on a job posting at ziprecruiter.com, you’ll find the job overview, the specific responsibilities, and the required qualifications.

Abstract: Brad Wetherell encourages Christians to consider the corporate aspect of our union with Christ. Being united to Christ by faith is not merely a personal matter, for we are united to all God’s people. And though the church still has to deal with sin and division, we should be motivated to pursue greater unity based on our shared story, purpose, and future in Christ. The other night I went to fill up a glass of water before bed when disaster struck.

Abstract: Jeromy Blomquist recounts the story of how God used two churches separated by thousands of miles to display his grace in the lives of a couple that was previously living in an immoral relationship. This story of repentance highlights God’s sovereign grace in salvation, and it should encourage churches to practice the ordinary means of grace through preaching, discipleship, and church discipline. Sabrina burst into tears as she sat on our couch.

Abstract: Caleb Davis encourages pastors to consider God’s good purposes in not growing their church rather than being discontent with their church’s size. God may be helping a church’s leaders to focus on the flock that is there and equip them to carry out his mission. A season that feels stagnant may be an opportunity for self-reflection, and it should lead to greater dependence on God. I hadn’t seen him in years.

Abstract: Mark Redfern commends R.B. Kuiper’s book The Glorious Body of Christ as a resource that can help pastors and all Christians see how God’s glory is displayed in the church. R.B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ. Banner of Truth, 1967. 416 pages. I’d memorized the first part of the verse more than twenty years ago, as a young Christian, but it was today that I connected it to the verse that immediately follows it.

This article is taken from Church Matters, the 9Marks journal for pastors, in the issue titled “The Pastor and Suffering.” Abstract: Travis Rymer shares about the painful experience of pastoring while suffering with two forms of cancer. Rymer is honest about his own struggles, acknowledging that trusting God in this trial has often been difficult.