John P. Burgess > Quotes

“Pastoral isolation intensifies uncertainty about what really matters. While most pastors are constantly in touch with people, opportunities for deep fellowship among pastors are rare. Isolation appears even more intense when we remember that pastors need theological friendships to sustain them and hold them accountable to the gospel. Too few pastors gather on a regular basis to encourage and build up one another in the gospel. Pastoral loneliness contributes to the personal and ecclesial disasters of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse, and financial impropriety.”
― John P. Burgess, A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving an Ancient Practice

“Christians are called to be Bible interpreters, but our interpretations must not be based simply on “what I want the Bible to say.” We need God’s Spirit to discipline our reading of Scripture.”
― John P. Burgess, Confessing Our Faith: The Book of Confessions for Church Leaders

“The confessions matter, because they “guide the church in its study and interpretation of Scripture, . . . summarize the essence of Christian tradition, . . . direct the church in maintaining sound doctrine, [and] equip the church for its work of proclamation” (G-2.0100).”
― John P. Burgess, Confessing Our Faith: The Book of Confessions for Church Leaders

“I will seek out people who will covenant with me to encourage me in ministry, to hold me accountable to my practice of personal disciplines, and to help me maintain personal integrity in the conduct of my ministry.”
― John P. Burgess, A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving an Ancient Practice

“Do not neglect the gift of prayer. Pray especially when you do not have time to pray, when prayer makes the least sense, and when God’s aliveness seem the least likely version of reality.”
― John P. Burgess, A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving an Ancient Practice