Tag: calling

The myth of inner calling

London Seminary have posted an article talking about the importance of having an inner calling to Christian ministry.  There are a few minor concerns I have with the argument.  First, LS state that the only qualification that is required prior to study with them is a “calling to Christian ministry.”  Now, unless they specifically mean… Continue reading The myth of inner calling

Learning from the Brethren

I read this article with interest and some sadness the other day.  I’ve a personal connection to the Brethren Assemblies as, whilst I was at University, I started attending a fairly traditional Gospel Hall when back home in Bradford. It was there that I really began to cut my teeth, preaching and teaching.   Later, when… Continue reading Learning from the Brethren

Calling

One of the things about the Transfer window is that you get all kinds of rumours.  For example, this year, there are a few rumours doing the rounds concerning Billy Sharp, Sheffield United’s veteran and prolific striker.  He has been linked with my home team, Bradford City.  The only thing is that he gets linked… Continue reading Calling

Leaders at risk

These reflections were prompted by a conversation with my dad who has been reading through 1 Samuel over the past few weeks.  We were talking about Saul and his response to David’s popularity, his jealousy when David is praised for killing more Philistines than him. On one level, there’s some practical questions.  How should a… Continue reading Leaders at risk

Who will you send?

It’s been pointed out that the only way that you know if you’ve been called to pastoral ministry is not through an inner prompting, though some may experience this, it’s also not about having a few friends saying that they think you might be good at it.  Rather, it’s about having a local church who… Continue reading Who will you send?

God did not make you a pastor to keep you going to church

I want to pause and think about a type of comment that I’ve heard a few times over the years.  It goes something along the lines of. “Perhaps the reason that God made me a pastor was to keep me in church.” Such comments are perhaps tongue in cheek but personally I’m not convinced they… Continue reading God did not make you a pastor to keep you going to church

What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?

Having spent ten years as a paid pastor in a church, I’ve spent the past year and a bit in a slightly different position.  I’m currently self-supported which means I’m responsible for raising my own support.  There are a lot of positives and benefits to this.  One reason I was keen to spend some time… Continue reading What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?

What approval are you looking for?

In my last article I said that whilst seeking approval can become idolatrous, it is not always necessarily so.  Sometimes it is right to be concerned for recognition and approval. In this article we’re going to dig a little bit more into that by focusing on elders and church leaders.   What type(s) of recognition/approval should… Continue reading What approval are you looking for?

Discerning a calling – transition and grieving

The other week, I shared some articles looking at how we discern a calling into Gospel ministry. My particular concern is to encourage people to look into urban gospel mission. I’m keen to seek out people who would be willing to work with us to see churches planted and revitalised on estates and in inner… Continue reading Discerning a calling – transition and grieving