Pastoral ministry isn't for everyone. Indeed, it isn't for the many. 'Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers', writes James, 'for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness' (James 3:1).

This week's readings spell out and explore some bad reasons for going into ministry, hopefully serving men considering the pastoral office, as well as those who advise and support them.

Featured Resources

– Rebecca Vandoodewaard, Five Bad Reasons to Go Into Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 698 (November 2021).

– Albert N. Martin, Wrong Reasons for Entering the Christian Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 208 (January 1981).

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org

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'He did not get up to talk about his party, his cause, his interest or his office', wrote J. C. Ryle of George Whitefield. 'He was perpetually telling you about your sins, your heart, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the absolute need of repentance, faith, and holiness, in the way that the Bible presents these mighty subjects.'

This week we turn our attention to a man who, by God's grace, became a means in the salvation of thousands of souls in the eighteenth century.

Featured Resources:

– David Campbell, 'George Whitefield: The Power of the Gospel', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 699 (December 2021).

– Bob Thomas (collator, introduction), 'Encouragement from the Eighteenth Century: Extracts from Arnold Dallimore's Biography of George Whitefield', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 737 (February 2025).

Resources on Whitefield:

Dallimore, Arnhold, George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival (2 volumes, clothbound, 1232 pages, also available as single volumes)

Philip, Robert, The Life and Times of George Whitefield (paperback, 588 pages)

Vandoodewaard, Rebecca, The Man Who Preached Outside (board book)

Select Sermons of George Whitefield, With an Account of His Life by J. C. Ryle (paperback, 200 pages)

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine

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Last year the Trust published W. Ross Blackburn's Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ. Ross has a background in Old Testament studies, has pastored in the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and has been involved for many years with the pro-life movement in the USA. We sat down with Ross and found out a bit more about his own backstory, and also his burden in Unveiling the Cross. We trust you'll enjoy the conversation.

Buy the Book:

Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ

Online articles from W. Ross Blackburn:

- Down Syndrome Day? (Human Life Review)

'Have you ever wondered why we see so few children with Down Syndrome today compared with past generations?...' Read the article

- Keep Them From Idols: The Education of Children Takes Generations of Fidelity (Touchstone Magazine)

'Education is chiefly about God. If that sounds strange, it is because we have understood education to be a different endeavor than raising children to know God...'

Read the article.

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast