Resources by Charlie Wingard
Joel R. Beeke and Nick Thompson, Pastors and their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2020. $10.00, paper. Criticism can drive men from the ministry. For some it comes early in their careers, unexpected and fierce, like a flash flood. Unable to receive criticism, the pastor resigns or moves to another field believing, wrongly, that his initial experience was unique. What went wrong? Part of the problem can be unrealistic expectations. While preparing for ministry, a young man envisions his future congregation as a group of believers eager to learn from him and follow his leadership. Early on, criticism came and expectations were shattered, leaving him hurt and disillusioned. Isolation can exacerbate the…
Read More
Many books analyze the apostle Paul’s theology and missionary work. Reuben Bredenhof examines the ministry of Paul the pastor in his new book, Weak Pastor, Strong Christ. His careful study of 2 Corinthians unfolds an apostolic model for pastoral work. Here, ministers straining under the burden of unbiblical expectations will find relief; those unsure of how to model their ministry will find godly help. He summons all pastors – in joy or trial – to rely upon Christ’s all-sufficient grace, saying with Paul, “when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Read More
With an economy of words and an extensive acquaintance with M’Cheyne, Jordan Stone explains the doctrines, biblical texts, people, and controversies that influenced him. This alone makes A Holy Minister a valuable book. But far more valuable is the care taken to show how M’Cheyne’s personal piety, preaching, and pastoral ministry flowed from his deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ – the very love I want every seminarian to cultivate and cherish. The author is senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in McKinney, Texas, and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at RTS Dallas.
Read More
Amanda Bailey’s beautiful legacy continues to bless Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson students. From her library, the three volumes of The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century were given to Foster and Laura Gullett. During the summer, they will return to continue their church planting work in Milan, Italy. Foster expressed their appreciation, observing: “The Westminster Confession has served for centuries as a beautiful synthesis of Reformed doctrine. Our prayer is to plant a church based upon that doctrine and hopefully impart its wisdom in a city and country that has largely been untouched by the effects of the Reformation.” First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City enjoys its partnership with the Gulletts.
Read More
Amanda Bailey (1938-2020) loved Reformed Theological Seminary and its students. Both a serious reader and student of God’s word, she wanted her theological library to be distributed to Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson students. Graduating senior Zach Byrd has received calls to serve Raymond Presbyterian Church and Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Edwards. From Mrs. Bailey’s library, he has been given The Complete Works of Edward Payson. These books are especially meaningful to Zach because of his studies of the life and ministry of 19th century southern Presbyterian minister, Daniel Baker. Baker served at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia. “His ministry was at a lull,” Zach notes, “and Payson’s Memoir revitalized his ministry. I pray that it does the same for…
Read More
Each Lord’s Day my congregation has morning and evening worship services. Old and New Testament readings are included at each service – a total of four readings. Along with singing Psalms, this method exposes the congregation to large amounts of scripture during the worship services of the church. At each service, one scripture passage is my preaching text. For the other reading, I prepare a brief introduction to the reading. I have found the following valuable resources in preparing my comments: Family Worship Bible Guide, Joel Beeke et al. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (6 volumes) Sabbath Scripture Readings (2 volumes), Thomas Chalmers Promise and Deliverance (volumes 1-4), S.G. DeGraaf I want my RTS Jackson students familiar…
Read More