Sublime

In all roles theologians are committed to that form of existence arising from Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They know that

“Mature” is a big-picture label encompassing most of the other qualifications, similar to the adjective “holy.” What Paul is instructing in his list of qualifications, and what Peter is commanding in 1 Peter 5:1–11, is that elders exemplify the namesake “elder.” Grown-ups will lead the church. Not necessarily old people, but grown-ups. Grown-ups ha

For Augustine, we are made for joy. Joy is another name for the rest we find when we give ourselves over to the One who, for the joy that was set before him, gave himself for us. We find joy when we look for the satisfaction of our hungers in the Triune God who will never leave us or forsake us, when we find our enjoyment in an immortal God whose l

What often results is a presumptuous and idolatrous level of expectation on the pastor, and even codependency. Pastor, you must shepherd wisely to keep your congregation from becoming codependent with you (or you with them).

Something in us longs to be told what to do and what to think by a power beyond ourselves.

Remember, the pastor’s biggest problem is himself. “Be sober-minded,” Peter commands, “be watchful.” Paul instructs the young Timothy: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16). Even when restoring a wayward sheep, Scripture tells us: “Keep watch

conclude with chapter five by noting what Edwards’s view of conversion led him to do in his own church, demonstrating that Edwards was no ivory-tower thinker, but a pastor who lived his convictions even to the bitter—but scripturally faithful—end.