Sovereign Grace Blog

Counsel for pastors

Jonathan Leeman gives six reasons he wrote his book, Reverberations: How God’s Word Brings Light, Freedom and Action to His People, for pastors.

For knowing where the most valuable time in your weekly schedule is spent. There are so many things which demand a pastor’s time in the week. And so many good things to do! But if God’s Word is the most powerful force in the universe, it should profoundly affect our philosophies of ministry—what we do and how we do it. How much do you study to teach the Word, and then teach it?

For discerning the difference between a sermon grounded on the dynamite of the Bible’s power and one which tips its hat toward the Bible. I fear I have preached too many sermons from the text while simultaneously failing to preach on the text. Do you know the difference? One is kinda, sorta powerful, maybe. The other is divinely-powerful.

For discerning the difference between a gospel-driven sermon and moralistic sermon. It’s comparatively easy to preach the “should dos,” “to dos,” and “how tos” of Scripture. It feels practical and responsible. What’s more, people love motivational preaching! Gospel preaching, however, takes a little more biblical-theology homework, and the only people who like are the ones in whom the Spirit is moving. But what do you think produces real change?

For discerning the difference between a sermon which confronts and topples false realities and a Bible and theology lecture. Starting with Genesis 1:1, the Bible gives us reality. But confronting people with its reality means knowing what false realities they’re embracing. A good sermon, therefore, expounds the text but it also exposes the blindfolds the listeners’ hearts.

For knowing how to lead the church in singing, praying, and evangelizing. God’s Word should reverberate out from the pulpit and into the songs, prayers, and evangelizing of God’s people. What does this look like and sound like and feel like?

For gaining encouragement when growth comes slowly (or not at all).The faithful road is not always the most visibly fruitful road. Just as the prophets or apostles. A lack of outward fruit might point to a failure on the pastor’s part, or it might point to God’s purpose. Either way, pastors are always successful when they aim at faithfulness.

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