Tag Archives: Christian ministry

Correcting a personality disorder

Posted on December 10, 2013 by neilrobbie

Mental health practitioners have identified several personality disorders which are recognised patterns of disordered behaviour.  I’ve found it useful to be aware of these conditions as a vicar and counsellor in a general Christian ministry.  The disorders range from quite … Continue reading →

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Lessons in ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #5: Spend time in the study

Posted on September 22, 2011 by neilrobbie

This is the fifth in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #5 – spend time in the study There is a simple and unalterable rule in ministry: there … Continue reading →

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When the going gets tough the gospel minister goes to….?

Posted on July 12, 2011 by neilrobbie

When life in ministry gets tough where do you go? There is only one place to go, the word of God.  A friend said yesterday that he found himself 20 scriptures to put persecution in perspective. Here’s 12 which I’ve … Continue reading →

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Ministry burnout and dependence on the strength of God

Posted on June 8, 2011 by neilrobbie

Christian ministry can feel like a treadmill at the gym, set too fast, too many things on the go at a time, and they can’t be stopped, shut down, the treadmill sometimes has no off-button.  When life gets like this, … Continue reading →

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Which church would you prefer to be ordained into?

Posted on May 17, 2011 by neilrobbie

I’ve been reading the Church of England’s ordinal with my ministry trainee in preparation for his Bishops’ Advisory Panel.  As we read the Book of Common Prayer ordinal it dawned on me that I was asked quite different questions at … Continue reading →

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Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome

Posted on February 16, 2011 by neilrobbie

We had a really successful first Messy Church last night. More people came than we expected, many of them new to church, a lovely atmosphere, great crafts, a time of thinking about how little we know and why its crucial … Continue reading →

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Delegation. Delegation. Delagation.

Posted on September 28, 2010 by neilrobbie

I’ve been a vicar for 19 months. In that time the structures of church government, the various roles and responsibilities and who can do them has been taking a new shape. There are great encouragements here and there, but we’re … Continue reading →

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Which way are you sailing?

Posted on May 11, 2010 by neilrobbie

For many people the Christian life begins by grasping the cross of Christ through repentance and faith. The cross is the starting point, like a harbour in a storm, and then the Christian sets sail. With the cross behind them, … Continue reading →

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Keller on the idolatry of ministry

Posted on June 1, 2009 by neilrobbie

In a recent interview, Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York, was asked the following question: Q: What safeguards should 20-something pastors have in place to avoid the idolatry of ministry fame and the attitude of big numbers equals … Continue reading →

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Christian co-worker accountability

Posted on March 25, 2009 by neilrobbie

Christian ministry can suffer from personality clashes and ego-trips and so this list of questions by Dr W.E. Sangster in “A Spiritual Check-up” is very useful for all Christian workers: Can I work with other people? – and can other … Continue reading →

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