The Pastor: His Qualifications and DutiesHarvey, H. (Hezekiah)
Religion
The Pastor: His Qualifications and Duties
Harvey, H. (Hezekiah)
Pastoral theology
the hot-bed to the ground, for, missing the warmth and protection of
the bed, and exposed to the cold and storms of the open field, it will
inevitably droop and wither and die, unless carefully tended. The most
difficult and arduous work of a pastor is after a revival in the care
and instruction of converts, when the unusual stimulus to Christian
activity is withdrawn; and it is just here that the evils exist which
are commonly charged on revivals and evangelists, but which in reality
result from remissness in the pastor and church. The converts should be
introduced at once into the Sunday-school or Bible class, and should be
made personally acquainted, as far as possible, with the members of the
church. Where the number of converts is large, the pastor might
privately request some judicious experienced members to give them
special attention, quietly handing to each a list of those thus
specially commended to his or her friendly notice and care. A place and
a work for each of the converts should also be sought; this is very
important to their comfort and development.
+SECTION IX.+
CULTIVATION OF SOCIAL LIFE IN THE CHURCH.
The development of a true Christian life in the church depends much on
the social influences which, like an atmosphere, pervade and envelop
it. These, therefore, the pastor should seek to inspire and control. As
far as possible, the membership should find their society within the
church--not in a spirit of clannish exclusiveness, but on the principle
that the higher bond of spiritual affinity, which binds them as a
church to one another and to Christ, involves, as a natural
consequence, the lower bond of social affinity, so that the church is
the natural sphere of the soul's activities, social as well as
spiritual. To make the social life of the church strong, healthful,
enriching, such as render it a magnet to attract other souls, is of
primary moment in a pastor's work. I suggest two ways in which this may
be done.
1. Personal effort to promote mutual acquaintance in the congregation
by introducing strangers, and by securing for them those attentions
which will naturally draw them to the church as a home. See that they
meet a cordial welcome at the public meeting, and also socially by the
calling of members at their homes, and by extending to them social
courtesies and kindnesses. A watchful pastor may do much to secure this
by personal suggestion.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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