The Christian Ministry with an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency

Many books today are written critiquing the theological landscape of evangelicalism, and specifically the seeker-sensitive movement. These books almost universally contain calls for better preaching and better pastors. What is shocking is that most of them do not explain how to preach deeper sermons, nor do they seem aware that there is markedly more to shepherding than preaching. Many services are evaluated and rejected based on the kind of music (too loud) or the number of illustrations (too short). Authors who decry depth in evangelicalism seem ironically unaware of the depth of the pastoral office, and that it goes deeper than what is observed in a five minute snapshot. The Christian Ministry (TCM), by Charles Bridges shows an understanding of the pastoral ministry that avoids the traps common to modern-day authors. He recognizes the importance of preaching- indeed he spends two-thirds of his book on it- but he likewise shows that "not all the work is done in the study and in the pulpit" (343). He rightly calls pastors to better preaching, but unlike many modern books, Bridges explains how and why. TCM does not satisfy itself with a cursory look at its topics. It digs beneath the surface to show the exact reasons for failings in the ministry. Bridges shoots arrows at the pastor's heart when talking about laziness in ministry, and does not content himself with vague indictments. He gives specific examples of sin in pastors, examples that convict even the most stalwart to the quick. His section on pride in young ministers (71, 328) did not just call pastors not to be prideful; rather he gave sample conversations and thoughts that are sinful, and then showed what exactly it is about pastoral ministry that opens itself up to these charges. His description of the young convert described the early stages of my faith better that I could have, and he showed why this is so. Every topic covered shows this kind of depth. [A lone exception is his treatment of the infidel (362), where he lapses into a Pascal's Wager type of argument- notable for its uniqueness in the book.] The subjects covered are properly mixed with both practical advice and theological correctness. For example, he shows how a hindrance of effectiveness in ministry is the lack of God's blessing, and follows it with a call for pastors not to be lazy. Later he admonishes pastors to preach the entire "chain of salvation," by which he means the doctrines of grace. He immediately follows that call with a charge to be extremely practical in preaching, lest the congregation not understand what is expected of them (268). That section shows the unique danger Calvinistic preachers have, and it shows why their theology sometimes tempts them to avoid application in their sermons. His call to avoid that trap cannot help but resonate in the minds of young preachers. Bridges shows theologically why prayer is important to the preacher, but he then shows practically how to make prayer a priority in

The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges is simply one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Virtually every page was helpful. Bridges' book is a theological and practical expose' on what it means to be a Christian pastor and preacher. It is significant that a book this old (1849) is still incredibly relevant. There are five parts to the book - let me give a quick run-down of each. I. In part one, Bridges covers the origin, institution, dignity, use, necessity, trials, difficulties, comforts, encouragements, and qualifications of the Christian ministry, along with four steps of preparation for the ministry: habits of general study, special study of the Scriptures, habits of special prayer, and employment in the cure of souls. II-III. Parts two and three deal with five general reasons and ten personal reasons why ministers are often ineffective. The general reasons include: 1. the withholding of divine influence 2. the enmity of the natural heart of man 3. the power of Satan 4. local hindrances 5. and the lack of a Divine call to ministry The personal reasons (i.e. causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character) are: 1. want of entire devotedness of heart 2. conformity to the world 3. the fear of man 4. the want of Christian self-denial 5. the Spirit of covetousness 6. neglect of retirement (time alone with God) 7. the influence of spiritual pride 8. the absence or defect of personal religion 9. the defect of family relgion; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work 10. lack of faith I can scarcely describe how heart-searching these chapters were. When I was working through these some months back, I felt very deep apprehension and fear over my personal accountability to God for the souls in my charge. I needed (still need) to feel that and Bridges pressed it into my heart like probably no author ever has. Those of you who know me best will readily see how much work yet needs to be done in my life regard to these ten things. Pray for me. IV. Part four of the book details the public work of the Christian Ministry. Much space is given to the task of preaching, including the institution and importance of preaching, and preparation for the pulpit. The last sections of the book I actually read were those detailing the Scriptural mode of preaching the Law and the Scriptural mode of preaching the Gopsel. I suppose I put these off, because I didn't think I would agree with Bridges on his view of the Law, but I actually benefited immensely. I just underlined and underlined and underlined. It is so rich. Then there are also chapters on the mode of preaching (addressing both topical and expository preaching and extempore and written sermons) and the "Spirit of Scriptural preaching" (broken down into seven qualities: boldness, wisdom, plainness, fervency, diligence, singleness, and love). V. Finally, part five deals with the Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry, addressing first, the nature and i