The Reformed Pastor

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Richard Baxter (1615-91) was a leading English Puritan pastor, theologian, and author, whose deep convictions for holiness in the pulpit fueled a fire deep within his being. The purpose of his book, The Reformed Pastor  is to reform the lukewarm pastors of his day, and in their self-reformation, begin pouring themselves out for the Body of Christ, so that every member will be edified and encouraged to grow in their faith. While written with the 17th Century clergy in mind, this explosive work is very timely instruction for pastors in every generation.

I have read this book twice now, and each time, I have been most encouraged by The Reformed Pastor. I am blessed and encouraged to continue to seek God, to strive for holiness, and to pour myself out for the body of Christ, so that they might be edified, encouraged, and draw closer to Jesus.

Paul's words to the church in Colossae truly summarize the heart of Richard Baxter in The Reformed Pastor. Paul says, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present EVERYONE mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me" (Colossians 1:28-29).

Puritan Thomas Manton said that Baxter, “came nearer the apostolic writings than any man in the age”, which is a remarkable compliment, considering the depth of theological prowess and thought-provoking eloquence the puritan age produced. J. I. Packer describes Richard Baxter (1615-1691) as “the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritanism produced.” His ministry transformed the people of Kidderminster from “an ignorant, rude and reveling people; to a godly, worshipping community.”

The Reformed Pastor exhorts pastor’s to consider two kinds of oversight:

  1. Oversight of themselves, and
  2. Oversight of their flock
After a convincing exposition on the importance of self-oversight and the thoughtful oversight and care of God's people, Baxter provides the practical help necessary to begin living it out. 

This book is definitely a difficult read, challenging most who read it to feel as if they fall enormously short of the standard that Baxter sets for God's anointed. And yet, we can be encouraged to know that Baxter himself confessed it to be a difficult calling for sure, admitting, "I obey not the counsel of my flesh herein, but displease myself as much as some of you; and would rather have the ease and peace of silence, if it would stand with my duty, and the churches' good" (p.41). In other words, like Paul he could say, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own" (Philippians 3:12). Paul, like Richard Baxter, like all of us, must know that we will never be perfect on this side of eternity, but we must press on day by day, doing our best to follow Jesus, to be set-apart, and to build up the body of Christ.

I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling a call from God into full-time ministry, as it is a sobering reminder that inspires us to settle for nothing less than giving God our very best in this most honorable of callings, of being a shepherd of His people. 

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