Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 155:617 (Jan 1998)
Article: Augustine’s Self-Watch: A Model for Pastoral Leadership
Author: Matthew R. St. John

BSac 155:617 (Jan 98) p. 92

Augustine’s Self-Watch:
A Model for Pastoral Leadership

Matthew R. St. John*

* Matthew R. St. John is Pastor, Heaston Community Church, El Reno, Oklahoma

Robert Murray M’Cheyne once wrote to encourage a colleague regarding the necessity of a pastor’s self-watch.

I know you will apply hard to German, but do not forget the culture of the inner man—I mean of the heart. How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his sabre clean and sharp; every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God’s sword, His instrument—I trust, a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfection of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.1

In addressing the need for the minister to give attention to “the culture of the inner man,” M’Cheyne struck at the heart of one of the most essential issues with which every individual called into ministry must grapple. A life of purity is essential for an effective ministry. Without it, said the great Puritan divine Richard Baxter, “our hearers will fare the worse.”2

The reason for this is evident. Just as a locomotive without coal will not produce the steam needed to carry the boxcars to their destination, so a pastor without spiritual fuel cannot adequately lead his congregation. To paraphrase Baxter, a cold heart makes for cold hearers.3

Throughout the centuries the church has been in desperate need of pastors who

BSac 155:617 (Jan 98) p. 93

give attention to their own spiritual condition. Only the pastor who knows his heart can respond appropriately to the pressures of the ministry. The needs of a congregation can be so draining that only the minister who knows his limitations can serve productively. The intolerance of a wicked society can be so demeaning that only the shepherd who recognizes his identity in Christ can survive. A pastor’s self-watch is vital, particularly in view of “an increasing number of accusations against church leaders.”4 People need a spiritual leader who can minister with authenticity and upright character. People need a pastor whose self-understanding has enabled him to know well his strengths and weaknesses.5 People long for a shepherd who can nurture them and point them to the Savior and the Savior’s love.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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