Apply Yourself to Know the People

I had the privilege and opportunity to preach in my local church recently. It is always a joy to open the Word of God and see the work that is done through it amongst God’s people. We have been using this segment recently to discuss the shepherding ministry of the church, and as I preached that Sunday morning, I saw the connection between these two great ministries. In preaching there came to my mind people in my congregation who needed specific aspects of this text in applying to some situation they are currently facing. By God’s grace I also heard from other people after my preaching, whose lives were touched in a specific way though I knew virtually nothing of what they are currently facing (and so it is with the Word of God). However, one can see the deep connections that can exist as a pastor preaches to a people that he knows intimately. Henry Scougal was aware of the impact such a ministry could have, and we would do well to heed his words as we faithfully preach to and shepherd God’s people.

But certainly the greatest and most difficult work of a minister is in applying himself particularly to the various persons under his charge; to acquaint himself with their behavior and the temper of their souls; to redress what is amiss and prevent their future miscarriages. Without this private work, his other endeavors will do little good. Now this supposes a great deal of care, to acquaint ourselves with the humors and conversation of our people; and the name of ‘watchmen’ that is given to us implies no less.

Jeremy Kimble (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University. He is an editor for Credo Magazine as well as the author of That His Spirit May Be Saved: Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverance and numerous book reviews. He is married to Rachel and has two children, Hannah and Jonathan