Haines: fellowship for clergy

Monday, January 12, 2015
    Feast of Aelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167
    Commemoration of Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar, 689
Meditation:
    [Jesus:] “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
    —Luke 22:32 (NIV)
Quotation:
    The discovery of warm, mutual Christian fellowship is especially difficult for the minister. For how can a minister break loose from the role of religious leader to which he is accustomed and which he is expected to assume, and become a member of a small group fellowship? And, unless he does, how can he guide others into something which he has not himself experienced? That is why many ministers find their initial participation in a group with other ministers, where the distinction between clergymen and laymen can be avoided.
    ... Howard B. Haines (d. 2000), “Fellowship Groups: ‘Intercessory Love’”, in Spiritual Renewal through Personal Groups, John L. Casteel, ed., NY: Association Press, 1957, p. 121 (see the book)
    See also Luke 22:32; Rom. 1:11-12; 14:17-19; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 10:24; Jas. 5:16; 1 John 1:3,7
Quiet time reflection:
    Help us, Lord, as we pray for the strengthening of ministers. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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