What Are the Marks of a Good Pastor?


Most pastors would say that they aspire to be good pastors—that is, good at the task to which they’ve been set, not merely average (much less rotten!). Thankfully, the Scriptures don’t leave us without guidance as to what being a “good pastor” means. When Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he told him, “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 4:6).

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Topics: Articles


Wallpaper: Perfect Gift

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17

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Topics: Weekly Wallpaper


The Goals, Tasks, and Practicalities of Pastoring God’s People


Pastoral ministry is, in many minds, synonymous with pulpit ministry. Yet pastors, as their name suggests, are not only preachers but shepherds. They are “those who will have to give an account” (Heb. 13:17), working as under-shepherds to the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2, 4), the one to whom the sheep belong. They have been charged with caring for the flock.

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Topics: Articles



Wallpaper: Enjoy Peace

“To enjoy peace, our unbelieving thoughts must be stilled, and we must learn that the Lord reigns.”
—C.H. Spurgeon

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Topics: Weekly Wallpaper


“Take My Yoke upon You”: The Paradox of Biblical Freedom


Millions of people across the United States of America celebrate the notion of freedom each Independence Day. But what is true freedom? In this Fourth of July weekend sermon, Alistair Begg continues his miniseries on Matthew 11:28–30.

After recently considering Jesus’ remarkable invitation—“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—Alistair reminds us, “The same one who gave the invitation is the one who presents the obligation” of taking Christ’s yoke upon us.

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Topics: From the Archives


Hymn: “Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare” by John Newton


Come, my soul, thy suit prepare;
Jesus loves to answer prayer.
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.

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Topics: Hymns and Worship


Struggling to Make Your Sermons Evangelistic? You’re Not Alone.


As pastors, we acknowledge the importance of evangelism in the Christian life. Sharing the good news was one of the last directives that our Lord gave His disciples (Matt. 18:18–20), and the early church’s rapid growth largely was due to the believers’ obedience to this command. Given its central role in the New Testament, evangelism should be a key feature in our lives—including in our preaching.

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Topics: Articles


Wallpaper: Prevailing Circumstances

“Even in the face of circumstances that appear to be prevailing against us, we may trust God entirely.”
—Alistair Begg

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Topics: Weekly Wallpaper


“For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free.” But What Is “Freedom”?


A story is told of a prisoner who had been locked away for decades. One morning, the warden came to his cell and told him his sentence was complete. The warden opened the door and allowed the prisoner to walk free. The prisoner walked out of the cell, crossed the block, and, seeing another cell open, ran in and slammed the door behind him.

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Topics: Articles


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