The Crucifixion of Ministry
by Andrew Purves | Book Summary
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Author: Andrew Purves
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This insight may seem counterintuitive to many seminary students and pastors. After all, seminary students pursue advanced degrees so that they can enter ministry positions and make a difference, and those serving in pastoral ministry have given their lives to serving the Lord by serving others, all in the hopes of making a difference. Nevertheless, we must come to the realization that "our ministries are not redemptive. Only the ministry of Jesus is redemptive" (p. 9). Think about it:
In light of these truths, we must be willing to crucify our ministries. Mercifully, this crucifixion will not result in hopelessness. Rather, this crucifixion will result in true hope. This hope is rooted in Jesus. "Our people don't need us; they need Jesus." (p. 10) |
Andrew Purves was born in Scotland and has been involved in both the Church of Scotland and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Purves has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He served as a pastor in Pennsylvania for several years before becoming a professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Recently, Purves was named Jean and Nancy Davis Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology. He is married to Catherine Purves, who is also a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Purves academic career has focused on Christology, and he is known as a leader of evangelical renewal within the Presbyterian Church (USA). In addition to The Crucifixion of Ministry, Purves is the author of The Search for Compassion, Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Union in Christ, and Encountering God.
The Crucifixion of Ministry
by Andrew Purves
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Andrew Purves |
| Publisher | IVP Books |
| Date | 2007 |
| Pages | 149 |
Overview:
"There is little, maybe nothing, we who are ministers of the gospel can do that really changes things. If anything worthwhile is to happen, Jesus has to show up." (p. 9)
This insight may seem counterintuitive to many seminary students and pastors. After all, seminary students pursue advanced degrees so that they can enter ministry positions and make a difference, and those serving in pastoral ministry have given their lives to serving the Lord by serving others, all in the hopes of making a difference.
Nevertheless, we must come to the realization that "our ministries are not redemptive. Only the ministry of Jesus is redemptive" (p. 9). Think about it:
- Pastors are not the ones who forgive sins.
- Pastors cannot bring the dead to life.
- Pastors are not able to usher in the kingdom of God.
- Pastors cannot grow and perfect their congregations.
In light of these truths, we must be willing to crucify our ministries. Mercifully, this crucifixion will not result in hopelessness. Rather, this crucifixion will result in true hope. This hope is rooted in Jesus. "Our people don't need us; they need Jesus." (p. 10)
Andrew Purves was born in Scotland and has been involved in both the Church of Scotland and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Purves has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He served as a pastor in Pennsylvania for several years before becoming a professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Recently, Purves was named Jean and Nancy Davis Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology. He is married to Catherine Purves, who is also a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Purves academic career has focused on Christology, and he is known as a leader of evangelical renewal within the Presbyterian Church (USA). In addition to The Crucifixion of Ministry, Purves is the author of The Search for Compassion, Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Union in Christ, and Encountering God.