On Being Like Puritan Pastors at Heart1

My most favorite authors to read lately are the Puritans. Once you get past the "thee's and thou's" or find a modernized version of their resources (sometimes found at the Monergism website), then they stand tall as a beacon of truth. These Puritan pastors and preachers are those whom we should emulate and follow in their examples of serving and exalting Christ among brothers and sisters and in a hostile world before the face of God.

Whether it was in the circumstances of the Black Plague or persecution from the king, queen or magistrates who kept flip-flopping from RCC/Anglican to Protestant, or standing firm and resolute on doctrinal and experiential purity as opposed to the world, these men are still a reminder to us that we should remain true and carry on in our calling as pastors, preachers and missionaries. We must endure and persevere and trust in the work of the Holy Spirit through us and by way of the Word of God.

Yes, ministry is difficult and messy with people at times. I concur on that point and know it well. But people are the ministry!  And we must remain steadfast in adding to our faith certain character qualities and values (2 Peter 1:5-11) such as courage, honesty, taking care of people (biblical love) and taking care of things (biblical stewardship).  We must remain diligent, steadfast and resolute on the convictions we glean from God's trustworthy Word.
https://joelbeeke.org/what-the-puritans-would-say-to.../

Here is a great short article by the premier Puritan scholar Dr. Joel Beeke entitled, "What The Puritans Would Say To Modern Pastors". It resonates with my heart's desire in wanting to excel still more as a biblical shepherd.

​Blessings!