What are some of the most important things for a pastor-in-training to learn?
9MarksHow important is seminary training?
9MarksSeminary training is one way to develop some tools that are useful for pastoral ministry. Specifically, seminary is a good place to learn theology, church history, the biblical languages, and the tools of exegesis.
On the other hand, personal ministry within the local church is absolutely essential training for a pastor. It is in the local church that a man’s character is formed and assessed, that he learns how to disciple and counsel others, and that he learns how to preach and teach.
How can a pastor make unwise use of commentaries and other helps in sermon preparation?
9MarksA pastor can make unwise use of commentaries and other resources in sermon preparation if he allows them—rather than the text itself—to set his sermon’s agenda.
How important is knowing the original languages to preaching?
9MarksFor a preacher, knowing the original languages can be likened to what Paul said to slaves about freedom: “If you can gain your freedom, do so. If not, be content with what you have” (1 Cor. 7:21, paraphrase). In other words, if you are able to learn the original languages, do so. They are a valuable tool. But such knowledge is not absolutely necessary for a preacher, for a number of reasons.
How can a pastor best care for the members of his congregation who are physically ill?
9MarksWhat are some tips for preparing a sermon on a tight schedule?
9MarksShould a pastor visit every member of his church who is hospitalized?
9MarksThat question is impossible to answer in the abstract, so here are some principles to help a pastor think through what kind of a priority he should give to visiting hospitalized church members.
How can I preach to people who are much older than me?
9MarksHow can I preach expositional sermons to uneducated hearers?
9MarksTeach your people why you preach expositionally. Consider preaching a sermon in which you explain the necessity and benefits of expositional preaching as well as how to listen to an … keep reading…
How can I decide whether or not I should be a pastor?
9MarksTraditionally, Christians have referred to two kinds of “call” a man must experience before entering the pastorate: an internal call and an external call. While the word “call” is potentially misleading, the basic idea is right. Before becoming a pastor, a person should both desire to do the work and receive confirmation from a church. Part of doing both involves considering the biblical qualifications of an elder.
How can a preacher help his congregation to be dependent on the Word, and not his own personality?
9MarksDoes a pastor have to be “called” by God?
9MarksOn the one hand, there seems to be no biblical indication that the New Testament office of elder or pastor requires a special “calling.”
How can a preacher train his congregation to make the most of expositional preaching?
9MarksHow do we do good biblical theology in our preaching?
9MarksAs I look for an existing church to pastor, what should I look for in a church?
9MarksA number of factors might compel a man searching for a pastorate toward one church or another. But there are at least two factors that, from the standpoint of prudence, are non-negotiables: