The domineering pastor - 14 October 2009 |
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Dr Garry Williams, Director of London Theological Seminary’s John Owen Centre, on gentleness in the pastorate:
In my experience as a hearer of sermons and talks, I have heard much more about the requirements for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 than I have in 1 Peter 5. Yet Peter clearly and strongly commands gentleness and warns against a domineering ministry. A gifted and bold preacher might actually be a damaging pastor. (Evangelicals Now, October 2009, p. 16)
Along similar lines, here’s John Frame:
‘Let your gentleness be evident to all’ [Philippians 4:5] … Are you able to nurture others in this way? Maybe you love people, but don’t know how to correct them in a truly gentle way, without harshness, without hurting. If so, find someone who can serve as a model and teacher in this area; it is tremendously important. And, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of his sheep, stay out of the pastorate until you have learned. (The Doctrine of the Christian Life, p. 942)
Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Minister's Blog