Character of a Pastor
Pastoral Book Reviews
A sermon on the nature of a pastor.
The Character of a Pastor According to
God’s Heart Considered
by
John Shaw
Soli Deo Gloria Publications, Morgan, PA: 1992, reprinted in 1998.
35 Pages, Paperback.
This short booklet is
a sermon which was preached by John Shaw, A.M., pastor of a church in
Bridgewater, MA. He
preached it for the ordination service of Rev. Moses Taft, August 25,
1752 in Brain-Tree South Parish. It
is based on the text of Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors
according to mine heart that will feed you with knowledge and
understanding.”
Why publish a single
sermon? This sermon was
published in Shaw’s day since it held such invaluable truths
concerning the text, and it was beginning it be a common practice to
frown upon the minister, even in their contemporary churches.
Today it is ever more so. The
pastor is not the most respectable person in the society, rather, the
movie star is – he who epitomizes fantasy and fiction.
Here Shaw opens up
the text and carefully lays out the character of the pastor.
First, he explains the qualifications of ministers, and goes on
for some time about the need for qualified men since many are often
involved in some sort of scandal or sin.
Second he explains the duties of the pastor.
Also included in this booklet is Mr. Taft’s confession of faith
which takes up a hearty 10 pages.
Overall this is a
very helpful look at the text, and an encouragement to men who desire
the office. It is
refreshing to see his emphasis on the principles of the pastor as well
as the duty of sound and responsible preaching.
It would take the average reader 45 minutes to read this booklet. I would recommend it to all pastors, or those desiring the
office, as an excellent help in assessing their own character, and
whether they believe they are qualified for the ministry.
If you already a pastor, I would still encourage you to read this
since it is acts as a confirmation and encouragement to those who have
been truly called to the office.
Some Quotes:
“It is an
indisputable maxim, an everlasting truth, that the life of the minister
is the life of his ministry, and the sins of the teachers are the
teachers of sins.”
“Gospel ministers are
an order of men necessary to the well-being of the church of Christ
through all ages and times.”
“In a word, ministers
according to God’s heart preach Jesus Christ.”
“If
they are not men of knowledge and understanding themselves, it would be
impossible to discharge that part of their office which lies in teaching
and instructing the people.” |
