Editor's Comments

Walter J. Chantry


'EDITOR’S COMMENTS

The things that you have heard from me . . . commit these to faithful men who
will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2).

The theme of this issue is the Christian ministry. At first glance it might appear that this topic is only for ministers of the gospel. That is not altogether true. One of the great trials of gospel ministers is that so few in the community understand their calling and work. If faithful ministers are going to have a reception by the churches, then other church officers and the congregation must have some sense of their task. It is important that you know how your minister is to serve you. When you are seeking a church, what should you look for in the preacher?

When I first completed seminary and began labouring in a modest-sized congregation, I was greeted by many church members who had sincere advice for me as to what I must do to bring blessing to our little church. One recommended that I frequently play basketball in the evenings with the teenaged men. Another recalled a favorite pastor of bygone days who had dropped into his home for supper at least twice a month. This sort of folksy familiarity would surely win hearts, he thought. A third was certain that if I preached earnestly on eschatology, especially through the Book of Revelation, our church would become spiritually strong.

In contrast I had one elder who, throughout my thirty-nine years, frequently reminded me of the biblical requirement that the expository preaching of the Word was to be my highest priority. When the church took up some demanding project or when a crisis distracted, he would ever gently remind me that I was to preach and teach Holy Scripture in a Christ-centred manner and never neglect that for any lesser matter.

We live in a day when, despite our talk of admiring the Reformers and the Puritans, their practices with regard to preaching and worship are being abandoned by hosts of churches. Many who label themselves ‘Reformed’ have imbibed views of the Christian ministry which are novel and hurtful to the churches. Although ministers must work closely with elders and congregants, and must listen sympathetically to their opinions, these same ministers must not ignore the higher will of Christ and of His apostles in the matter of their calling. You too can strengthen your church by discussion supportive of a biblical view of ministry, and by support for those men whose labours are poured into that mould.


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