The sermon series is five parts, and I want this post to be a summary of the contents of the sermons. However, don’t use this post as a substitute for listening the sermons. His emotion, inflection, and choice of words adds to the magnitude of his message. Even though it was made almost forty years ago it’s as relevant then as it is today. Each header is a summary of the sermons in the 1–5 ordering.

Unhealthy Reasons to Aspire to the Pastorate

Of first importance is to identify reasons for desiring the pastorate that are not healthy or biblical. Al identifies five items that do not meet the biblical qualifications for a valid call to the pastorate.

An inaccurate assessment of their own gifts and graces

This one seems obvious, but it is a good reminder that we can easily blind ourselves. This also is a great reason why this calling must be fleshed in the local church, and the calling must be validated externally.

An uncrucified lust for authority and attention that the office brings

There is a nice ring to someone being called “pastor/elder,” and it is essential that if that is a reason one desires the office then that person is not at a point where he should have that authority.

An unbalanced ideal of what constitutes spirituality

Because the role of the pastor/elder is one not held by many it can be seen by some as those that have the role have attained a higher plateau of spirituality. If someone desires the office so they can feel they have attained this higher level of spirituality they do not deserve the role.

An inadequate view of the breadth of ministerial qualifications

I have seen this quite frequently actually. Many have not truly sat down and meditated on what the scriptures say is necessary for a man to be qualified for this office.

An unmet desire for identity

If you have physiological needs for identity or a title then putting that person in the role of pastor/elder is both irresponsible and ill-advised.

An unsanctified pressure from others

Sometimes other pastors, parents or friends push a young man into pursuing the ministry; and that is an unsanctified action on their behalf. The man himself must be probed by God to seek out the office.

Signs Necessary for a Valid Call to the Pastorate

After looking at things that would disqualify a man from seeking the office, then we must reflect of signs that are necessary prerequisites to the office. He also uses John Owen to distinguish between an extraordinary call to an extraordinary office (such as the apostles) to an ordinary call to an ordinary office (that being a pastor/elder).

A desire born of right motives

This is on the heels of the previous message. The motives must be pure, verified from scripture and original to the man from God if they are to properly purse the office.

Graces indicating a genuine Christian experience

The person desiring the role should, in fact, be a believer (and a strong one at that)! If the gift of divine regeneration is not evident then they quite obviously (although apparently not some) must never be given this office.

Gifts indicative of divine provision

The hard truth is that if Christ has not endowed you with the gifts necessary to be a pastor/elder such as preaching, counseling, etc. then this person should not have the office. Albert says that is horrendous to think that Christ would give people to the church to edify them but not provide those men with the gifts and means they need to accomplish that task.

Opportunity indicative of a providential opening

At some point in the man’s call there must be an opportunity for them to fill such an office. It might look very different from person-to-person, but God must provide that opening.

Mental Gifts Indicative of a Pastor

Albert probes into three topics from the preceding lecture of signs necessary to purse the office of pastor/elder. In this lecture he tackles the mental gifts necessary for one to pursue the office.

A mind submissive to scripture

If a man’s mind is not completely submissive to the word of God then that person is in no place to teach others by it. He must continually be renewed by the scriptures to encourage others in this.

Understanding of the basic contents of scripture

A teacher of the scriptures must have at the very least an understanding of the basic concepts of the scriptures. They must know what the books of the Bible are and what their content contains if they are to successfully meet the next requirements.

Understanding of the meaning and interrelatedness of scripture

A teacher must have the necessary intellectual knowledge of the scriptures through various theological disciples. Albert mentions four: systematic, historical, biblical and what he calls “experimental” theology. The last of those is the real application of God’s word to one’s life and situation.

Access to the tools necessary to make meaning plain

There is no excuse for one to expound the scriptures and not have easy access to the commentaries, lexicons and other materials necessary to make the meaning of scripture seem plain.

A mind furnished with sound, practical judgement

As Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead God’s people so to must those who aspire to the office of pastor/elder have furnished to them a measure of sound, practical judgement in spiritual matters.

Spiritual Gifts Indicative of a Pastor

After elaborating on the mental gifts necessary for this man he turns to the spiritual qualifications one must exhibit to pursue this office.

A deep knowledge and devotion to the person of Jesus Christ

If this man does not daily yearn for Christ in all things and as his ultimate satisfaction then he is useless to encourage others to do this very act. He must be wholly dependent on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself asked Peter three times if he loved him, and as a result of Peter’s affirmation he assures Peter each time to “feed his sheep” (John 21:15–17; cf. Mark 1:17).

A deep experience with issues of sin and grace

A minister that wants to hide his own personal struggles with sin, grace and assurance is not fit to counsel others; because those seeking his counsel will see any benefit possible from his words. A minister must be transparent to their own struggle and not seek to keep a facade about them that they don’t struggle with these pressing spiritual matters.

A deep love for people

If a man thinks he can simply spout out doctrinal points to a congregation and not love deeply the people he is teaching then he also is not fit for this office. Even when a congregant talks of things that don’t interest the man his genuine love for this person will be evident, and he will be given the means to empathize and love his people.

A measure of the authority of unction

The word “unction” isn’t used too often these days, but it refers to the anointing for ministry by the Spirit. It must be evident that the Spirit has anointed that person for ministry, and it must not be based only on things such as inflection or charisma (although those gifts can certainly be a part of valid call).

Mechanical Gifts Indicative of a Pastor

He uses three texts: 1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:2 to talk about the following points.

Has a teaching ability

The man has a proven ability to speak, fluency of utterance, suitable lungs/volume, ability to order thoughts, some gift of simplicity of speech and his speech drips of divine authority.

Has an ability to rule/govern/shepherd

A man may have the proven ability to teach, but without the proven ability to rule and exercise spiritual oversight of the people of God than that man is not qualified to hold the office. The person who can do this has an attitude of servitude and doesn’t lord it over the people of God. The people of God also must find it natural to follow you as a spiritual leader, and they respect you in that office.

Final Reflections

Not yet had I listened to a man so acquainted with the spiritual and practical requirements to be a minister. At times I was moved to weep about the depth of what is required of a man to hold this office and lead others. He cuts through the flesh and bone and gets straight to the marrow of the issue. I will encourage anyone who seeks the office to listen to his words and take them to God in introspection and prayer before continuing to seek this office.

One of the parts of the practicum was to preach on a Wednesday night. I did this recently, and I’d like to share the sermon to request any feedback anyone might have. I chose Galatians 6:1–2 as my passage to exegete.

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (NASV)

I love all of Galatians, but this passage in particular has proven to be a daily reality in the daily battle against sin and temptation, and I encourage meditation on the passage and its implications for your walk in obedience to Christ and his call.

“The city of man requires idolatry. All must bow before the symbol of its total claim. Religion is tolerated when it supports the claims of the state, the party, the institutional hierarchy. But those who say, ‘We must obey God rather than men’ are always condemned as traitors or exiled as aliens.

Yet the calling of Christ’s kingdom not only separates a man from the world, it also sends him to the world. In this time of the kingdom we are pilgrims, for the mountain of Christ’s rule is the heavenly Zion; but in the task of the kingdom we are ambassadors, for we have been sent by the King to proclaim his terms of peace to his rebellious realm.

The ‘Come!’ of Christ separates us from the world to his name; the ‘Go!’ of Christ sends us to the world in his name.“
Edmund Clowney, Called to the Ministry (pg. 18)

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. (1 Tim 6:6)

I have contemplated this passage at different times throughout my short Christian life but never written my thoughts on this passage before. In the context of thinking how this passage relates to the overseer Paul’s words become clearer in their intent towards young Timothy.

In the passage before Paul makes it clear that some have used the pursuit of godliness in order to find some sort of material gain. Paul mentions that these people are “conceited and understand nothing” (v. 4). Paul wants Timothy to know that the continual pursuit and acquisition of godliness is only of gain when accompanied with contentment. When the pursuit of godliness is done for the end result of being more holy and useful for work in God’s kingdom and not for sordid gain then and only then will it be of any use to the pursuer. Paul desires Timothy to shun these worldly pursuits and reminds him that “we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (v. 7).

This passage speaks to me (and I assume all believers as well), because I live a life with so little contentment. I often pay lip service to the fact that God is my sufficiency and my only sustainer yet I run to the comfort of material goods as a reminder of comfort and success. It’s telling to me that if I desire to shepherd other believers I must uphold a principle and reality of contentment beyond what most believers employ. If my life is to be of good reputation with those inside and outside the church I cannot continue to desire and chase possessions and show my discontent.

I know that the salary and lifestyle I have now will be nowhere near the one that I might have as an overseer. Even though I might have far less money, the issue of contentment is a heart issue that I must face before endeavoring to lead others. May God give us all more contentment and pursuit of his holiness.

What An Open Mind Is Not

I see more and more people associating having this “open mind” to being liberal. Political and theological liberalism then become the only true representation of having an open mind. If you believe that gay marriage is immoral—then you have a closed mind. If you believe that one worldview is right and others are wrong—then you have a closed mind. The list could go on and on.

There are some glaring problems with this definition of having an open mind. First, when you say that saying any other worldview is wrong then you essentially believe in nothing. This is the conundrum that is implicit in Postmodernity. Moral relativism is one of a few grave philosophical and logical errors that are made when you step in Postmodern philosophy. The problem is that when you believe in everything then you believe nothing. A critical thinker doesn’t let everything into their minds.

The other issue is that when you write off those with a particular ideology as close minded then the accuser ends up with the closed mind. Much like the relativist fallacy in moral relativism it is self defeating. Is there a better way to approach a more balanced definition of having an open mind?

A Definition Worth Defining

Let’s try this definition to guide our discussion.

Open Mind: Having an “open mind” is when an individual can objectively judge truth claims in light of their own presuppositions in the pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Notice there are a couple of important points in this definition. Notice that this definition applies to an individual to avoid applying the definition to a group of people who falls prey to groupthink. The person also evaluates truth claims which can be anything from a political ideology to a religion. Presuppositions also can greatly color the way we test truth claims so the person has to be honest with their presuppositions and not let a set of presuppositions immediately decide how one feels on an issue. This point is crucial, and its importance is worth noting.

Finally, having an open mind must mean you are seeking truth and knowledge.. If you subscribe to moral relativism you aren’t really searching for anything absolute or meaningful to your existence. Also, if you simply entertain an idea or philosophy as a hobby it will hinder your ability to objectively judge it as opposed to someone who is seeing to know if something is truthful.

Let’s Move On

Let’s use this definition to avoid calling a Christian, or anyone else who believes in absolutes, as close minded. I apply this definition as my friend Aaron Shafovaloff once told me. He said that if someone provided him with an objective, logical, and truthful presentation that Christianity is false that he would hopefully have the where with all to abandon Christianity. That is a great application of our definition, and I invite all to challenge myself and each other.

An Important Sidebar

Before going any further there is an important point to bring to light. As Christians we must acknowledge that our hope is not in this world, its leaders, and policies. We serve a sovereign, mighty God that is working all things to the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28).  To find yourself in immense grief over our political state is to ignore that our focus is to be on the eschaton and not this world that is passing away (1 Cor 7:31; 1 John 2:17).  Keep in mind also that all rulers and authorities are put into that position by the will of God (Rom 13).  With that important note we can move into our discussion.

Proposition 8 and Its Effects

In California, which is known for its liberal voting record, passed Proposition 8 into their state’s constitution. This amendment not only defines legal marriages as between one man and one woman, but it also applies retroactively to all current homosexual marriages formerly sanctioned by the state.  In August of this year the state’s highest court repealed a ban on same-sex marriages which led to the Proposition 8 vote (as well as a ruling a few years ago legitimizing same-sex marriage).  This election similar measures passed in Arizona and Florida bringing the total to 30 states that have passed similar measures.

This last week protests across the country took part in opposing the passage of the act in California.  The protesters are calling on the State’s high court to overrule the amendment as “unconstitutional.”  All this has led to a revelation that many conservatives have touted for a long time?namely the misguided role that judges have in legislation.

It's become more and more apparent in recent times that judges across the country have been legislating from the bench instead of interpreting and applying legislation. This amendment is particularly important, because it has brought to light that a few judges (or even one judge) do not and should not speak for the general populace.  On issues as important as the definition of marriage amongst others it is very apparent that the populace should decide how such an issue is decided.

We all have the tendency to love electoral results when the outcome is what we desire.  However, liberals have shown more and more that they cannot accept when an outcome doesn’t favor their position.  This contradictory position is no more evident then the protests surrounding the passage of Proposition 8. Instead of acquiescing to the electoral results they vow to fight it as long as necessary for the result they want to come through.

The Beacon of Hope

As conservative evangelicals we can look at issues like Proposition 8 and thank God for not allowing us to be as wicked as we could be as a nation.  In a time when the GOP is “re-evaluating” their platform (translation: we need to be more moderate) we can see this promotion of righteousness as an important victory.  While not the only issue relevant to evangelicals in the current political landscape it certainly shows that on the whole we as a nation aren’t as liberal as our popular media would like us to believe.

The gospel must go forth with or without a Republican president, and nothing will inhibit the Spirit of God working in this world for his glory.  We can continue to be kingdom-minded believers who seek to promote righteousness in the public square and also maintain our fierce dedication to the truth that only the gospel  will bring redemption and joy to this fallen world.

Me: So you enjoy studying theology?
Joe Nominal: I don’t need to study theology as long as I have Jesus. That stuff just divides.

I used to get frustrated to the point of acting in an un-humble, and un-Christ like way.  I decided instead to point them to a verse that has stood out to me from Hebrews 6.

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. (Heb 6:1–3)

This is on the heels of the previous chapter where the author admonishes the Hebrew believers to move from milk to solid food (Heb 5:12).  It always seemed to be a perfect admonishment to give to believers who seemingly love to stay satisfied with milk and not move onto solid food.

Recently, a deacon at my church named Paul DeHart gave a lesson on this very passage.  It was a perfect opportunity to ensure that my application was in fact correct and not a misuse of the text.  In an e-mail he shared the following application that deserves to be heard by others.

“[W]hen talking to someone, saying something like: ‘I understand that you believe that Jesus is enough, but God has given his children a relationship with Christ, and this involves growing in our knowledge of Him. A good example of this call is found in the epistle of Hebrews where the author challenges the Jews to whom he is writing that they need to move beyond their immature views of Christ which are being twisted by not understanding how He fulfilled many of their Old Covenant practices. In the same way, we today need to grow in our knowledge of Christ so that we don’t start conforming Christ to the patterns and understandings that we have in this world. To understand a proper view of Christ, we need to understand Scripture, and see how Christ relates to us, to the world, and understand salvation, sanctification, etc. The study of these things is theology and it is important to our growth in Christ.’”

What great wisdom and application?I have nothing more to add!

I have visited all three, and I am familiar with differing levels of each congregation.  I will highlight some major differing points between the three, but most of the differences are primarily ecclessiastical and not soteriological.  They will also range from the most “traditional” to more “contemporary” in how they hold their services.

Kemp Road Baptist Church

Kemp is the church I am a member of and frequent.  It comes out of an association called the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America or ARBCA.  They are creedalistic, in particular the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith.  They are fairly strict cessationists and sabbatarians, and the congregation numbers between 100–150 each Sunday morning.

www.kemproadbaptist.com

Grace Covenant

Grace Covenant is right down the road from Kemp, and there are very similar in their theological adherence to a confession although they choose the Westminster Confession of Faith although they are baptistic.  You will find more theological liberty amongst their leadership with some being Presbyterian, Dispensationalists, etc.  They also employ a slightly more contemporary form of music then Kemp would.  The teaching pastor also is a member of the Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals or FIRE.  They also share a similar congregation size to Kemp.

www.gracecovenant.info

Clearcreek Chapel

Clearcreek Chapel is unfortunately the one I know the least about, but I have visited as well as conversed with some congregants.  Their services would be more contemporary then the previous two, and the congregation size is also larger then both Grace and Kemp.  Of the three, they probably wear the RB title the least on their sleeve making it more inviting to those who don’t understand the Doctrines of Grace.

www.clearcreekchapel.org

If I Forgot Something

If I forgot a congregation and/or someone more familiar with the congregations above would like me to alter the descriptions then please let me know in the comments.  This should be a good resource, however, for individuals looking for reformed and baptistic churches in the Dayton, Ohio (OH) area.

I once flipped through a book that caught my eye entitled Irresistible Evangelism by the former pastor of the Cincinnati Vineyard. I was flipping through and found a horrific graphic that summarized their philosophy of evangelism.1 Basically, the analogy is between golf hole and evangelism. When you golf you don’t just shoot it straight into the hole (unless you’re insanely good), but instead you take one shot into the fairway, then up to the green, then finally in the hole. And each of these steps correlates to the relational process you move through in their method of evangelism. You don’t start off with the Gospel, because you need to first “get it up to the green.” This methodology clearly shows their Arminian/decisional regeneration theology.

This analogy, I think, most clearly shows what relational evangelism can go to taken to an extreme. We must first ask: Did anyone in the whole Bible present the truth of God only after the tee and fairway shots? Jesus calls his disciples from the very beginning to repentance, and Peter and Paul both giving stirring Gospel presentations to the masses. I would imagine that if there was a model to clone it would be these gentlemen, but each of these men also contextualized the Gospel to their audience.

I of course don’t want to misuse something, and if I have done so I want to be corrected; so I asked Doug to write a short rejoinder.

I would share your concerns about too much friendship and not enough evangelism as well. The bigger idea of the golf course analogy was simply to help Christians see that God’s word clearly presents the idea of evangelism from a holistic perspective. Way to many Christ followers find a club (a method) that they feel comfortable with and then take it to their golf course everyday. Effective evangelism starts where people are in relationship to God not where we would like them to be. My admonition to Christ followers is to go to their golf course everyday with a full bag of clubs. You will never see Jesus do the exact same thing with the different people He encounters along the way. Sometimes He did a good deed, sometimes He raised questions, sometimes He shared Good news. Apparently He understood that different folks need different strokes. The golf course analogy is just a metaphor intended to encourage people to bring the whole gospel to the whole person. Some days that means we will sow, some days water, and some days we will harvest. If you would like to better understand my take on the whole thing go to my website at GodsGPS.com. There is one article I wrote for Outreach Magazine that might best articulate what in particular the way we should be intentional in our efforts to move the ball ahead on the golf course.

I am curious as to the thoughts my readers have.  Did I take it out of context?  Does Doug’s explanation ease your mind on this?

I will be taking a temporary hiatus from writing full articles, but I will continue to feature content from my sideblog and the forums.  While I will write the occasional article it will be an aberration for a short time. But fear not friends as I will return in full force soon enough!  You can still access all the archives.

I always wanted this to be a place where we can think through the social, political, and theological topics of the day as informed and intelligent Christians, but I want to make sure that I do it out of love for it and the glory of God.  I just need some time to re-focus to return the posting regularity to what it once was.

–Chris