Wise Guidance, Pastor to Pastor

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“The people of God are sure to meet with enemies – but especially the ministers.” That’s an observation from John Newton from a letter he wrote to a minister.

John Newton (1725-1807) penned some 280 hymns in his lifetime. Best remembered is “Amazing Grace.” What some don’t realize is that Newton was not only a hymnwriter, but he was also a pastor, serving in Olney, England, and later in London. And he wrote letters – lots of letters – to a variety of people, including ministers.

Imagine the opportunity to glean from the wise counsel that Reverend Newton shared with fellow pastors. What spiritual insight would he offer? How did he choose to encourage his brothers, being acquainted himself with the difficulties ministers often face? The fact that copies of those letters are available today allows us the privilege of hearing what Newton had to say.

This is Pastor Appreciation Month. If you shepherd a flock of believers, consider these short excerpts from two Newton letters a ‘thank you’ for the investment you’re making in the lives of so many. Take a few minutes to consider how God might want you to apply Newton’s insight to your life. (If you’re not a pastor, there’s plenty of spiritual nourishment in the letters for you too.)

Letter 1, September 14, 1765

“The people of God are sure to meet with enemies—but especially the ministers. Satan bears them a double grudge. The world watches for their halting, and the Lord will allow them to be afflicted, that they may be kept humble, that they may acquire a sympathy with the sufferings of others, that they may be experimentally qualified to advise and help them, and to comfort them with the comforts with which they themselves have been comforted of God.

“But the Captain of our salvation is with us. His eye is upon us; His everlasting arm beneath us. In His name therefore may we go on, lift up our banners, and say, ‘If God be for us—who can be against us? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him who has loved us!’ (Romans 8:31, 37, adapted from KJV)

“The time is short. In a little while—He will wipe all tears from our eyes and put a crown of life upon our heads with His own gracious hand!”

Letter 2, November 2, 1765

“The work you are engaged in is great, and your difficulties many—but faithful is He who has called you, who also will do it. The weapons which He has now put into your hands are not carnal—but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong-holds. Men may fight—but they shall not prevail against us, if we are but enabled to put our cause simply into the Lord's hands, and keep steadily on in the path of duty. He will plead our cause and fight our battles; He will pardon our mistakes and teach us to do better.”

Hopefully, you found sufficient insight within those brief selections to inspire you in the vital Kingdom work you’re engaged in.

Suggestions for those who aren’t pastors

John Newton points out that Satan bears a “double grudge” against ministers. These men of God are on the front lines in a spiritual war. We should look for ways to encourage them.

Pray for your pastor and his family. The evil one would like to destroy them. Take their names and needs to God often.
Let your pastor know that you are praying for him. Would that not serve as encouragement to him to know that you’re faithfully taking his family to God in prayer?
Support your pastor through your involvement in the church. Your enthusiasm for the ministries in the church honors God and shows the pastor that you support him.
Don’t neglect his wife and children. Look for ways to show love to your pastor’s family. Consider sending your pastor’s wife a supportive note and a gift card.

Those a just a few ‘starter’ thoughts. You likely have other ideas.

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Bonus Encouragement from Letter 1

“Our enemy watches us closely; he desires to have us, that he may sift us as wheat. He knows he can easily shake us—if we are left to ourselves. But we have a Shepherd, a Keeper, who never slumbers nor sleeps! If He permits us to be exercised, it is for our good; He is at hand to direct, moderate, and sanctify every dispensation. He has prayed for us—that our faith may not fail; and He has promised to maintain His fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from Him. When we are prone to wander—He calls us back; when we say, ‘my feet slip’—His mercy holds us up; when we are wounded—He heals us; when we are ready to faint, He revives us.”

To dive deeper into these pastor-to-pastor letters, click HERE.

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