Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Cross and Christian Ministry

DA Carson's The Cross and Christian Ministry is must reading for all Christian leaders. This book is basically an exposition of the first 4 chapters of 1 Corinthians. Carson shows how the Cross of Jesus Christ must be the content and method of our preaching and ministry. The Cross stands as the test and standard of all vital Christian ministry.

In every generation, the gospel is in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy. Carson calls us back to the centrality of Christ and Him crucified.

One of the many things I have found helpful about this book is in the way it presses home some of the foundational characteristics of a Cross-centered leader. Here are a few examples:
  • A Cross-centered leader focuses on the content rather than the form of preaching.
  • A Cross-centered leader ties every subject to the Cross.
  • A Cross-centered leader follows the crucified Messiah in to suffering.
  • A Cross-centered leader primarily seeks to please Christ not people.
  • A Cross-centered leader is empowered by the Spirit.
  • A Cross-centered leader does not insist on his own "rights."
  • A Cross-centered leader is humble.

1 comment:

BoldLion said...

Wow! What a book this is! Is this book that you are doing for raising Elders?

I like what the book have to say and let us keep on focusing on the Cross.

Hungry to eat His Word,
'Guerite ~ BoldLion