The Christian Ministry, with an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency, Vols. I & II
Overview
Gain insight into the timeless purpose of Christian ministry and the problems that every minister faces with Charles Bridges’ classic, The Christian Ministry. With evangelical passion, Bridges uses illustrations from his own and others’ ministry experience to demonstrate what slows down or altogether halts a minister’s progress. In volume 1, Bridges (1) defines Christian ministry, (2) identifies several general causes for a ministry’s failure and problems in a minister’s character that can slow ministry, and (3) analyzes the “public work” of ministry, focusing on preaching from the Bible. Continue studying the timeless purpose of Christian ministry and the problems that every minister faces, with volume 2 of Charles Bridges’ classic, The Christian Ministry. With evangelical passion, Bridges uses illustrations from his own and others’ ministry experience to demonstrate what slows down or altogether halts a minister’s progress. In volume 2, Bridges (1) finishes his analysis of problems with Christian preaching, (2) examines stumbling points in a minister’s pastoral care for parishioners, and (3) provides a final reflection.
Top Highlights
“The most comprehensive view of the Christian Ministry is given in Ephes. 4:7–16.” (Volume 1, Page 5)
“There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God which worketh all in all.’* Thus are the three Persons in the Godhead severally and distinctly glorified. The Ministry of the Church has an equal concern and dependence upon each, and owes equal honour and service to each. Tracing therefore this sacred institution to the footstool of the eternal throne, with what prostration of soul should we bind ourselves to its solemn obligations!” (Volume 1, Pages 6–7)
“Admitting even that our income allows the indulgence of expensiveness in our style of appearance, yet is it not a point of Christian forbearance to refrain? Is it not most important to show, that our heart is not set upon these things, that Christian plainness and simplicity are our deliberate choice, and that it is a matter of conscience, and of privilege, to devote to the service of God the expenditure that might have been wasted upon ‘ceiled houses’ or other useless decorations.” (Volume 1, Page 153)
“The most effectual hindrances, therefore, to the fruitfulness of our pastoral work are those which impede our personal communion with the Lord.” (Volume 1, Page 200)
“If the Ministry be a spiritual work, a corresponding spiritual character seems to be required in its administrators” (Volume 1, Page 38)
- Title: The Christian Ministry, with an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency, Vols. I & II
- Author: Charles Bridges
- Edition: First American from the Second London Edition Corrected and Enlarged
- Volume: I & II
- Publishers: Jonathan Leavitt, Crocker & Brewster
- Print Publication Date: 1831
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Pastoral theology
- Resource ID: LLS:WRKSBRIDGESINQ
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-11T15:51:51Z