In reading J. I. Packer’s A Quest for Godliness some time ago, I came across this moving quotation from Richard Baxter about the need for pastors to attend to their own lives in ministry. Baxter was an interesting figure, best known for his writing of that classic of pastoral practice, The Reformed Pastor. Just a quick …
Hungry for Joy
There is nothing quite like enjoying the beauty of a sunset or holding a newborn baby in your arms. To share that joy with another person doubles the joy as together we marvel at the beauty before us. Scripture speaks again and again of the gifts of joy, beauty, and pleasure that God gives us. …
A Prayer of Clement of Alexandria
O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace. By St. Clement of Alexandria, early teacher and apologist for the faith.
Edvard Munch, Golgotha
Pastor, Know Your Context
When I was a graduate student, I took a missions class called "Contextualization" as an elective. The class was essentially intended to equip missionaries for understanding the cross-cultural context, or setting, in which they were going to do mission work so that they could share the message of Christ in culturally astute ways. We discussed …
