The Christian Ministry: With an Inquiry Into the Causes of Its Inefficiency

by Charles Bridges

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Genres: Theology, Church, Ecclesiology, Christian, Leadership, Christianity, Christian Living

422 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2015

Reviews

[Peter Jones]

I am always convicted by this book. Bridges hits on pride, worldliness, and laziness to varying degrees. Last time I was convicted about my study habits. This time is was about my fear of men and want of affection for Christ and His people. His section on preaching plainly with clear application was also helpful. The book will not appeal to all. But there is little doubt that most ministers can find some gold that will strengthen them in their labors.

Read previously in 2010. Here is my review from then:

There were several sections of this book I found particularly convicting. Bridges does not mention much about liturgy or the Sacraments. So if you are looking for that this not your book. But that is where I have done a lot of reading. So it was not that necessary for me. But he does bring up things like laziness, hypocrisy, want of zeal and failure in family life. The chapter on "Preparation for the Christian Ministry" especially the section on study habits was like a knife in my soul. How many ministers squander hours on useless labors? Bridges is strong where many younger pastors are weak. I needed this book.

[Ben Taylor]

Legendary book for a reason, almost line by line contains quotes that could spawn hours of study and application. That being said, a great one to revisit over the years. Bridges unashamedly holds up the calling of Christian Minister under the microscope and lays bare its glories and weighty responsibilities.

Now it is a matter of selecting which of the many convicting exhortations to tackle first in my own life.

[Owen Lewis]

A well of biblical exhortation, teaching, and experienced observation regarding pastoral ministry from a wise man. The author’s knowledge and love of God’s Word is apparent.

[Brenton]

First published in 1830, Charles Bridges explores the role of the pastor in The Christian Ministry. I would suggest taking this one extremely slow as it is very deep and gives much to ponder.

If you would like an easier read with very similar content and many many quotes from Charles Bridges, I would suggest Albert N Martin's - Pastoral Theology - The Man of God series.

The first book in The Man of God series can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[Brian]

The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges is simply one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Virtually every page was helpful. Bridges' book is a theological and practical expose' on what it means to be a Christian pastor and preacher. It is significant that a book this old (1849) is still incredibly relevant. There are five parts to the book - let me give a quick run-down of each.

I. In part one, Bridges covers the origin, institution, dignity, use, necessity, trials, difficulties, comforts, encouragements, and qualifications of the Christian ministry, along with four steps of preparation for the ministry: habits of general study, special study of the Scriptures, habits of special prayer, and employment in the cure of souls.

II-III. Parts two and three deal with five general reasons and ten personal reasons why ministers are often ineffective. The general reasons include:

1. the withholding of divine influence

2. the enmity of the natural heart of man

3. the power of Satan

4. local hindrances

5. and the lack of a Divine call to ministry

The personal reasons (i.e. causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character) are:

1. want of entire devotedness of heart

2. conformity to the world

3. the fear of man

4. the want of Christian self-denial

5. the Spirit of covetousness

6. neglect of retirement (time alone with God)

7. the influence of spiritual pride

8. the absence or defect of personal religion

9. the defect of family relgion; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work

10. lack of faith

I can scarcely describe how heart-searching these chapters were. When I was working through these some months back, I felt very deep apprehension and fear over my personal accountability to God for the souls in my charge. I needed (still need) to feel that and Bridges pressed it into my heart like probably no author ever has. Those of you who know me best will readily see how much work yet needs to be done in my life regard to these ten things. Pray for me.

IV. Part four of the book details the public work of the Christian Ministry. Much space is given to the task of preaching, including the institution and importance of preaching, and preparation for the pulpit. The last sections of the book I actually read were those detailing the Scriptural mode of preaching the Law and the Scriptural mode of preaching the Gopsel. I suppose I put these off, because I didn't think I would agree with Bridges on his view of the Law, but I actually benefited immensely. I just underlined and underlined and underlined. It is so rich. Then there are also chapters on the mode of preaching (addressing both topical and expository preaching and extempore and written sermons) and the "Spirit of Scriptural preaching" (broken down into seven qualities: boldness, wisdom, plainness, fervency, diligence, singleness, and love).

V. Finally, part five deals with the Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry, addressing first, the nature and importance of the pastoral work, and second how to treat specific cases in pastoral work (i.e. the infidel, the ignorant and careless, the self-righteous, the false professor, natural and spiritual convictions, the young Christian, the backslider, the unestablished Christian, and the confirmed and consistent Christian.) This was an especially helpful section, giving much encouragement to me in the midst of some challenging pastoral responsibilities, and also supplying much insight in how to apply the Word to specific kinds of people.

It is impossible for me to do justice to the helpfulness of this book. I really know of nothing else quite like it, except maybe Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. But I think this is even better than that - because of its focus not just on preaching, but on pastoral work. Bridges is eloquent and full of the Gospel. Like Spurgeon said of Bunyan, he just bleeds Bible - prick him anywhere and his blood is bibline. He was also very well-read in the Patristics, the Reformers, and the Puritans, and quotes from their works often. There are lots of gems scattered throughout that it would be almost impossible for anyone to find elsewhere, unless they pursued a PhD in church history. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that the book has weight - gravity. It is a serious book, but serious in a joy-giving and helpful sort of way. If you are a pastor or elder (or want to be), I highly recommend that you read it.

[Jose Ovalle]

This book would have been pretty mind blowing and world rocking if I didn’t have Dr Troxel as a professor these last four years of seminary, who formed us in such a way that a lot of the truths in this book were sort of no brainers (though I am still very much in the new-born phase when it comes to applying them.)


Giving it 5 stars bc it’s still really good stuff

[Benjamin]

Ma lecture préférée depuis bien longtemps. A recommander à tous les pasteurs et anciens. Certainement un livre que je vais lire et relire plusieurs fois dans ma vie !

[Ryan Hawkins]

To my surprise, this was thoroughly disappointing! Old, famous books, especially from this 1600-1800’s are usually gems. I can’t think of a book that is this famous (in ministry circles) that I’ve read that has been this disappointing. But honestly, I can’t give this more than 3 stars.

The biggest flaw of the book is how he just goes on and on and on, without much substance, with long, usually unhelpful quotes, with boring, bullet-point type argumentation and style, and without (to my surprise) many really helpful insights.

It is 410 pages, so of course there’s some helpful nuggets in here. But overall, it was a drag to read. It could’ve and should’ve been 150 pages max, and then it would’ve been overall helpful. But it wasn’t, and so I can’t recommend it. I will, though, consult it for my underlined portions in the future.

[Josh]

Very powerful book and would recommend for anyone going into ministry. I was convicted throughout. Bridges’ sincerity and godly character shine through his words. He speaks well-articulated truths that cut to the heart today for a generation who desperately needs it

[Christian Barrett]

This work is a fantastic guide to Christian Ministry, and despite being a dated resource is timelessly relevant. Bridges compiles a great treatise on how a minister of the gospel is to live and works through the duties of the pastor and of the church as a whole. In doing so he provides apt examples pertaining to sermon writing and giving to pastoral counseling. I wish I had read this sooner, and am slightly disappointed I did not have to read this for any of my courses in seminary. There are some sections that can get long and tedious, but for the most part this is an easy read.

[Collin Lewis]

I read this early on in ministry and it had a great effect on me. At the second reading about 6 years late it has had another great effect on me. I hope to read it again in 6 years to have yet another great effect on me.

I pray that I can be a better pastor and exhibit the biblical principles drawn from this book for the saints at BHBC.

[Philip Brown]

A classic. Brimming with sage advice. Tolle lege!

[Hayden Mills]

Excellent. Maybe a bit intense, but wonderful quotes and illustrations. I love his law gospel in preaching at the end of the book.

[Mark Donald]

Read with our pastoral interns.

Rich reflections on:-

1. View of Christian Ministry
2. Causes of a lack of success in ministry
3. Personal character for ministry
4. Preaching
5. Shepherding

Highly recommended!

[Dane Jöhannsson]

The best book on pastoral ministry by far. This book stands guard as a watchman over the entrance to the ministry. If you are thinking about becoming a pastor, you must read this book. Current pastors would do well to read this once a year.

[Pete Williamson]

going through this again with a fellow pastor in town. there are few books on pastoral ministry that are as provocative and soul-searching as this.

[Jerry]

This classic is simply unparalleled for the minister of the gospel. Although written in 1830, Bridges counsel is timeless! Outstanding!!

[Craig]

This classic text on the pastor's work of Christian ministry was at times heavy and difficult to read, but, boy, does it reveal much gold for those who are willing to dig! This book is absolutely packed with memorable and penetrating quotations. It also cuts deep to the heart: revealing the pastor's struggles, inadequacies, pride, and ineptitude. But the pastor is not left bleeding: Bridges always points back to the work of Christ on the cross.

I'm not sure I'll ever read this again cover-to-cover, but it would be very valuable to occasionally dig here and there to uncover a few gold nuggets.

[Ian Hammond]

If this book was written today by someone else, it would ground the lack of effectiveness in ministry in completely different things. This is why this is such an extraordinary book. Several points that this book highlights are way out of the minds of modern writers and readers (including myself). Entire chapters are devoted to things like "conformity to the world," "fear of man," and "the want of faith." Bridges locates much of ministry ineffectiveness in the minister's character (though he starts with just the general challenges of ministry outside of the minister's control). I rarely hear this brought up in discussion of ministry fruitlessness. Though Bridges is piercing in several places, his overall tone is pastoral and inspiring

[Scott Petty]

A true slog to read. Verbose with an overabundance of quotations. Written by an Anglican pastor with too much space devoted to defense of the doctrines and practices of the 'Establishment' church (e.g. infant baptism). It is not that there is nothing to be gleaned from this book but that what little is there is not worth the time and effort.

[Ben Lacey]

One of the best books I have ever read on the pastoral ministry. Every pastor—or anyone who desires to pastor—will be encouraged, convicted, and blessed by this book. Though first published in 1830, its content is timeless and full of pastoral wisdom—and will prove as an unfailing friend and guide in the daunting task of shepherding. I am a better Christian, man, and pastor because of Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry.

[Pat Baird]

This was a beautifully written, systematic, and eloquent, love letter to the Christian minister about his calling.

I would encourage every minister of the gospel to read Charles Bridge’s, The Christian Ministry.

[Brady Boatwright]

Even an abridged version of a book written in 1830 is hard to read and fully digest. Great insight and wisdom from Bridges, while he does seem to ramble a bit and I'm not sold on his balance of expository and topical preaching.

[Noah Buresh]

It’s been beloved for a long time for a good reason, but you can also tell that it’s been around for a long time. You better be strapped with a dictionary for 1800’s vocabulary near you at all times.

[Jake Baur]

A book to read and reread. Full of wisdom, conviction, and challenge. Every pastor or aspiring pastor should read this book. It places the office where it belongs: in considerable weightiness and inexpressible joy. Bridges knows the heart and the ministry.

[Rhys Plant]

One of the best books I’ve read on being a pastor. If you are in, or are considering going into ministry, it is well worth your time.

[Tanner Howard]

I understand why Spurgeon required this for the Pastor’s College.

This was practically rich and pastorally wise.

Great read.

[Alejandro Guillen]

Read about half of the book for a class as required reading. Really astounding.

[Chandler Kelley]

Thorough and practical.

[Travis Robnett]

Extremely rich and experiential.