The ministry of the word is a calling which requires much attentiveness to and emphasis on the words of 1 Corinthians 13:13, where we read that love is the greatest of the three Christian virtues. In fact, ministering to fellow saints and ministry in general are referred to as a “labor of love” in Hebrews […]
To know and believe in Jesus Christ Is to have eternal life. Our Lord grants all those of His own, Grace, mercy, peace in strife. But how shall we learn of Him, Whom we have not heard? Who is there to expound for us God’s holy written Word? Our Father, true to provide The needs […]
Daniel is a member of Southeast Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He wrote this essay for the 2003 Protestant Reformed Scholarship. What is the work of the pastor? When we ask ourselves this question we immediately think of the preaching, teaching, visiting, leading, and ministering work of the preacher. These represent the most […]
Nathan is a member of Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. He wrote this essay for the Protestant Reformed Scholarship. The minister of the gospel is called to labor in the church of Christ. This calling is an important work because the church is the spiritual body of Jesus Christ. This important work requires […]
Rev. Rodney Kleyn is Pastor of Trinity Protestant Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. This essay was written for the Protestant Reformed Scholarship when he was a seminary student. Why preach in a Protestant Reformed Church? One of the main reasons, which especially the young male readers of the Beacon Lights ought to consider, is that […]
Rev. Hanko is missionary/pastor of Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland. Reprinted from the mission newsletter circulated in the UK by Covenant PRC. The office of pastor and teacher (Eph. 2:11) is the third permanent office in the church. That it is an office requiring ordination is clear from I Timothy 4:14 and Romans […]
After He ascended into heaven our Lord instituted in the church various offices (Eph. 4:8-11). He instituted these offices that those who serve in them might represent Him, and serve His church in their offices. Though He remains the only Head and King of the church, these offices are necessary for the well-being of the […]
Christ, by means of His church, sent a shepherd to a flock of sheep with the command “feed my sheep.” Each Lord’s day the shepherd faithfully led the sheep to the green pastures to feed. The shepherd had been carefully trained to discern grass that would nourish God’s sheep from the grass and weeds that […]
Calling or referring to ministers of the gospel as “Reverend” has been a long-standing tradition in English speaking churches. In some circles it is more prevalent than in others; for instance, it is a deeply entrenched tradition in Reformed churches, but in many Presbyterian denominations the practice is infrequent or non-existent. The stated reason for […]
In June delegates from our churches gathered for Synod. At Synod the ministers and elders take care of the matters which pertain to the work of our churches as a federation. One such matter is the examination of students who have completed the required training for the work of a minister. The church as a […]