Weakness within and trials without. A constant battle against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. This is the common lot of Christian believers in this life. This is the sober reality which ought to push us, each day, to apply for new supplies of the Holy Spirit's power for perseverance.
The life of the gospel minister fits this pattern, too, and if anything, the intensity of the battle is greater. Satan has a particular loathing for all members of Christ's body, but especially for its leaders.
This week we read two articles on different aspects of perseverance in ministry. They call us all—especially those of us in church office—to fresh vigilance and new earnestness, confident of the Lord's power and willingness to sustain us.
Featured Resources:
– Andrew Swanson, 'Causes and Cure of Spiritual Decline in the Minister's Life', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 391 (April 1996).
– David N. Jones, 'Maintaining the Earnestness of our Ministry', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 239–240 (August–September 1983).
– Interview snippets with Gerard Hemmings and Keith Berry recorded at the UK Ministers' Conference 2025 ('A Lifetime in the Ministry')
Note: the dates for this year's US West Coast Ministers' Conference are October 21–23, 2025, and those for next year's UK Ministers' Conference are April 20–23, 2026. For more information, go to https://conferences.banneroftruth.org/
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