What Every Truly-Called Pastor Knows . . .

 What Every Truly-Called Pastor Knows . . .


If you are a truly-called-by-Christ ecclesiastical minister of the gospel of grace, then this very short treatise is a little bit directed to you.  If you are not a person specifically (and really) called into the formal ecclesiastical ministry, feel free to "listen in."

 

I think that what might well be true of any honorable calling in life, is eminently the case with regard to the ministry of souls.  What I mean, is that the path/plan/method/or approach that may seem very "right" to others (maybe many others), you know (via the Holy Spirit's guidance using the Holy Scripture's principles), is not "right" for you to pursue, (at least at this time).

 

Sometimes very well-meaning people will say things like this to us, "You should do this, or that"--but, in fact, you know, in your heart, that you should not do the thing that is being proposed; at least, not do it at that particular time.

 

None of this is meant (in anyway) to deny or decry getting (or seeking) counsel from others--especially other very committed Christian church saints.  The Bible is replete with admonitions for us to do this.  Here is one example, from Prov. 11:14: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory," (ESV).

 

But, my point is simply this--and it is designed to aid my fellow-clergymen--be careful, and even wary, of acting on anything, just because you are getting a lot of pressure to do so (even from very savory sources).  There is no doubt, but that there is some subjectivity involved in this "equation."  The guidance of the gentle Holy Spirit is to be relied upon.  If you are uncomfortable with a course of action, you should probably at least suspend (for a time) the pursuit of it.  Almost always, time will be on your side.

 

Bottom line: I encourage my clerical brethren to be wise, prudent, and generous; but to understand that you are given the unique gift of shepherding Christ's precious sheep of His church.  This requires a level of sensitivity that is not enjoined upon all the saints.


[Addendum on 12/27/25. . . The context for this treatise is not so much sessional decisions, as it is pressure put on us to talk to specific persons about various things.  This is where it can (particularly) get "tricky."]

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #30

20 October 2025

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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