Paul’s Epistles By Clint Davis T
hese are the most bizarre times I’ve ever see in my ministry (possibly even life). I remember sitting in the office at Greenville ARP as the second plane flew into the World Trade Center Towers on 9/11. Those days were scary and confusing, but the actual threats of the terrorists were largely centrally located in large cities located a long way
from Greenville, SC. This current pandemic crisis reaches all of us where we are, however. We now have a confirmed case in Chester County! I know you all live in areas that have most likely been far more impacted. This crisis has changed the way that we are all doing ministry among our congregants in the short term (at least). And,
I’m sure that you, like I, have been working in overdrive to develop creative and innovative ways to connect to and pastor your congregation during this time we are away from them. Several of you have blessed me with your thoughts about Christ posted on social media as well. Thanks so much for your faithfulness. I have been thinking about Paul over the last week as he spent much time away from those he pastored. Some of his
time away was voluntary (missionary journeys) and some was involuntary (prison). As I’ve thought about the 13 epis- tles a pattern in Paul’s ministry to his congregants developed in my mind. I thought I would share my thoughts on his pattern with you to, prayerfully, encourage you in your current ministry situations. His pattern, as I see it, was fourfold:
• He prayed for the congregations — Paul devoted himself to praying for those under his care and he told them he prayed for them. I’ve long thought we should use his prayers as we pray for our people, but I think this is a great opportunity to pray Ephesians 1:15-23 for our congregations and communicate it to them.
• He instructed the congregations — In addition to praying for them, Paul instructed them in the truth of the gospel. He did it through letter from a distance. We have the same opportunity to instruct with a variety of mediums. Let us take advantage of the opportunity to other media than preaching and teaching to instruct our congregants.
• He encouraged them in their faith — Paul encouraged the believers to maintain faithfulness to God over and over throughout his letters. He reminded them of what God has done for them, of who they once were, and of who they are now in Christ. Friends, encourage your congregants. They need hope right now; they’re scared. Give it to them.
• He challenged them to do good works — You know the typical breakdown of Paul’s letters — indicatives followed by impera- tives. Romans is the perfect example: chapters 1-11 are indicatives and chapters 12-16 are imperatives, for the most part. We should do the same for our folks in our communication with them. Let’s try to find specific ways to help them find good works to do where they are in these strange days. Then, challenge them to do them in service to Christ and others.
Men, I have prayed for you and pray that the Lord will use this,
which points our attention to Paul and his epistles, to encourage you as you seek to adapt your ministry to these strange times. We know that our sovereign Lord has a good and glorious purpose for it.?
Clint Davis is the pastor of Chester ARP Church. 30 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Testimony
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