C. Matthew McMahon
Christian Preacher
There are a handful of solid biblical works every pastor and potential pastor should read, as well as every Christian who wants to know what "the picture" of a biblical pastor looks like.
This is one of them. (It may, besides the bible, be the top one.)
It is an astoundingly excellent treatment of the pastoral office and being called to the ministry.
The Calling of the Ministry, by William Perkins (1558-1602)
William Perkins (1558-1602) was a powerful Reformed minister and theologian who was one of the foremost leaders of the early Puritan movement in the Church of England.
Preaching today is in rapid decline. Pulpits all over the planet are filled with ministers who gain a paycheck, but give little else. William Perkins explains what it means to be truly called to the holy office of the minister. He does this from two principle texts: Job chapters 32-33 with emphasis on 33:23, and Isaiah 6:1-13. Perkins says that the words in Job contain, “a valuable description of a true minister,” how he is a messenger and an interpreter, one in a thousand. Then, he explains Isaiah 6:1-13 of Isaiah’s confirmation, showing Isaiah was fearful, stunned, cast down, comforted, and renewed in his commission to go and be sent of God to preach for Christ’s glory.
He explains that men ought to consider the extreme presumption of those who rashly enter the ministry. Many ministers come into God’s presence unsanctified, and in their sins, little concerned about how loosely they live before their people. Perkins will not make the ministry an easy door to open. That is because faithful exegesis on important passages about the ministry shows it to be a hard and difficult road. Being God’s mouthpiece is not an easy task, but being called to it is an honor that is inexpressible.
Get the eBook pack here at Puritan Publications (ePub, mobi and PDF).
Get the printed book Here.
Get the Kindle Version Here.
Get the Nook Version Here.
This is one of them. (It may, besides the bible, be the top one.)
It is an astoundingly excellent treatment of the pastoral office and being called to the ministry.
The Calling of the Ministry, by William Perkins (1558-1602)
William Perkins (1558-1602) was a powerful Reformed minister and theologian who was one of the foremost leaders of the early Puritan movement in the Church of England.
Preaching today is in rapid decline. Pulpits all over the planet are filled with ministers who gain a paycheck, but give little else. William Perkins explains what it means to be truly called to the holy office of the minister. He does this from two principle texts: Job chapters 32-33 with emphasis on 33:23, and Isaiah 6:1-13. Perkins says that the words in Job contain, “a valuable description of a true minister,” how he is a messenger and an interpreter, one in a thousand. Then, he explains Isaiah 6:1-13 of Isaiah’s confirmation, showing Isaiah was fearful, stunned, cast down, comforted, and renewed in his commission to go and be sent of God to preach for Christ’s glory.
He explains that men ought to consider the extreme presumption of those who rashly enter the ministry. Many ministers come into God’s presence unsanctified, and in their sins, little concerned about how loosely they live before their people. Perkins will not make the ministry an easy door to open. That is because faithful exegesis on important passages about the ministry shows it to be a hard and difficult road. Being God’s mouthpiece is not an easy task, but being called to it is an honor that is inexpressible.
Get the eBook pack here at Puritan Publications (ePub, mobi and PDF).
Get the printed book Here.
Get the Kindle Version Here.
Get the Nook Version Here.
