The pastoral impulse of care and comfort and the preaching impulse to bring changing truth must be embodied together for each to be effective. Comfort without challenge results in stultifying stasis. Challenge without empathy results in thoughtless hurt. God brings the changing challenge of his word to his people primarily through one with whom they …
David Robertson, a Presbyterian pastor who has taken up residence in Australia a year ago or so is offering a few tentative observations and encouragements for Australian Presbyterians, and Australian Christians. You only see situations with an outsiders eyes for a limited time, so his perspective is timely, measured, and encouraging. David’s experience is such …
If you listen to a sermon tomorrow I hope it doesn’t make you feel comfortable in your world, but causes you to long for the world God is re-creating through his Son, – and long to know completely what it is to be part of that world. From Leading With The Sermon: In preaching, God’s …
The notion of being a courageous pastoral leader invokes thoughts of the television show ‘Yes, Minister’ where senior public servant Humphrey Appleby causes government minister Jim Hacker to reconsider his latest intention by commending it as courageous. There is an uncertain and vulnerable space in being courageous. Will Willimon contrasts costly courageous leadership with what …
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