Persevering in Ministry – Advice for the next generation
In what ways could testing the waters of full-time gospel ministry, via a church-based ministry training scheme, be a help or a hindrance when it comes to persevering for a lifetime of ministry? I think a church apprenticeship type scheme is particularly useful in two situations. The first is when someone is uncertain, but trying […]
Persevering in Ministry – the fruitfulness of forgetfulness
I’m in my 20th year in full-time gospel ministry, and there have been many highs and lows, though sometimes the agony and the ecstasy has been near inseparable. That seems often to be the way, and I have come to realise that what Paul articulates in 1 Cor 16:8 is an abiding principle of all […]
From Secular Work to Full-time Ministry
Rob, what are you doing now? I’m a Curate at St John’s Chapeltown in Sheffield; I’ve been there since July 2015, so I’ve been in full-time ministry for around 18 months. You’re not the youngest of spring chickens, are you? Let’s say mid forties. Just about. I’m married to Caroline and we have three school-aged […]
Trainee to Maths Teacher
When I left university, I was considering whether or not full-time, paid gospel ministry was for me. So, partly in order to answer that question, I spent two years as a Ministry Trainee at St John’s, Lindow, in Wilmslow, Cheshire. My role mostly involved Bible teaching (sermons, Bible studies, youth groups and one-to-ones etc.), which […]
Looking Back With Gratitude: life as a ministry trainee
I spent two years working as a Ministry Associate at St Nicholas’ Church, Sevenoaks. As I look back I can already see the many ways in which God used the role to motivate, equip and strengthen me in my Christian faith, and draw me closer to himself. I’m really grateful to Him for the opportunity […]
Raising Up Godly Leaders
Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington D.C. spoke about Growing Healthy Churches at a one-day conference at Duke Street Church, Richmond-upon-Thames. His final session focused on the importance of Raising up Godly Leaders. Mark has kindly allowed 9:38 to summarise his advice on identifying, training and growing godly leaders. As Mark explained, […]
Clarifying the Call
In summer 2005 a survey, conducted by Generation Next, of 400 men either in or considering word ministry showed significant confusion about what constituted a ‘call’. This is a practical and important question: how do I know that Christ has called me to “prayer and the ministry of the word”? Rather than start with ourselves, […]
How do I know I’m called?
When I was in my 6th Form I took a careers test. The results told me that I should consider becoming, in order of suitability, a barrister, a solicitor, a teacher and a minister of religion. I studied law at University, became a Christian in my final year, decided not to train to become a […]