Ministry Leadership

There is a troubling trend in ministry today—a man-centered focus. The priorities of too many churches and ministries are determined by human purposes and philosophies. There is a temptation to focus on numeric growth, social branding, or otherwise trying to keep up with other churches and pastors. This has led to superficial ministries that base their foundation on the charisma of the pastor, appeal of the church programs, breadth of facilities, or other non-foundational areas. As a result, when these are removed, the ministry falters or even collapses. 

Nearly four hundred years ago, Pastor Thomas Shepard and Missionary John Eliot labored for Christ and the gospel in the early American colonies. 

Shepard, a well-known pastor in Massachusetts, was a founder of the town of Cambridge. His preaching and theological work had a profound impact on the colony’s religious life. Eliot was among the earliest American missionaries to the Native Americans. He would eventually translate the Bible into the Algonquian language. This Bible was the first to be printed in North America.