Pastoral Vision (21)
…but, speaking the truth in love, [we all] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4.15, 16
Growing a church in unity and maturity in the Lord requires the work of every Spirit-gifted member. And since all have gifts, all must be moved and mobilized for those works of ministry that accomplish the end we seek (Eph. 4.11, 12).
John Amos Comenius understood this, and what he wrote about British schools in the 18th century applies just as fully to churches in the 21st: “May we all, with one accord, be moved to promote such a worthy object in every possible manner by advising, warning, exhorting, reforming, and in every way furthering the work for God and for posterity. And let no one think that he is not called upon to act in the matter. For though a man may be naturally unsuited to be a schoolmaster, or may be fully engaged by his duties as a clergyman, a politician, or a physician, he makes a great mistake if he thinks that he is on that account exempt from the common task of school-reform.”
Every member of the Body of Christ has something to contribute to the work of making disciples and building the local church. All are called to study, learn, and teach (2 Tim. 2.15; Col. 3.16; Heb. 5.12) and to encourage one another in love and good works (Heb. 10.24). But the shepherds must lead. They must cast the vision, affirm and equip the workers, set them on a course of growth and ministry, and point the way to realizing more of the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
Where there is no guidance, Solomon wrote, the people fall (Prov. 11.14 NASB). Vision, guidance, preparation, ministry, a healthy growing church—all together now.
Resources for Shepherds: Fall reading and study groups
We rejoice at the many who have already signed up for our fall growth opportunities. Join us for one or more of the following group studies via Zoom:
Beginning in September and meeting every other Thursday afternoon, Dr. Marshall Adams and I will lead our Men’s Bible Studythrough Ecclesiastes 1-6. Our study will meet every other Thursday afternoon, 3:00-4:00 Eastern. Meeting dates are 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 12/5, and 12/19. Course materials are free, but you need to register by sending me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
On Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 Eastern beginning September 18 and meeting every two weeks until December 18, FA Brother Dennis Gagnon and I will take a closer look at the Celtic Revival by studying Thomas Cahill’s book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, together with a closer look at two great Celtic Christian leaders, Patrick and Columbanus. You’ll need to order a copy of Cahill, but supplemental materials are free. Register by sending me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Then every fourth Thursday evening we will resume our fall “Kingdom Conversations” on subjects relevant to life in the Kingdom of God. We’ll kick off September 19 at 8:00 Eastern with the question, “Judge the World?” What did Jesus mean by this? Materials for each discussion are free, so email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.
Finally, Board Chairman Charlie Hammett and I will lead The Lewis Group through Part 1 of God in the Dock. We’ll meet every other Friday at 3:00 Eastern, beginning September 6 and continuing through December 27. Join us in The Lewis Group by sending me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.
From the Celtic Revival
Here’s a problem probably most of us have encountered at one time or another:
Shame on my thoughts, how they stray from me!
During the Psalms, they wander on a path that is not right; they run, they distract…
One moment they follow the ways of loveliness, and the next the ways of riotous shame...
Swiftly they leap in one bound from earth to heaven...
O beloved Christ...may the grace of the sevenfold Spirit come to keep them in check!
Rule this heart of mine, O swift God of the elements, that You may be my love, and I may do Your will!
- Anonymous, On the Flightiness of Thought, Irish, 8th-9th century[1]
We’ll delve a little deeper into this poem and what it has to teach us on Thursday. Why not join us for Crosfigell, for this and all our excerpts from the period of the Celtic Revival (ca. 430-800 AD)? You can subscribe to Crosfigell and all our other teaching letters by clicking here.
Just a reminder that the following free resources are available to download at our bookstore. Once you’ve downloaded your copies, you may share them with anyone you like. Start a reading group and work together to learn more about this little-known period of Church history.
The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction
Living to Rule: An Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality
Lives of Irish Saints: A Tribute
Columbanus: A Devotional History
Colum Cille: A Devotional History
Patrick: A Devotional History
T. M. Moore
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And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[1] Davies, pp. 262, 263.
