The Ministry: An Existence, Not an Occupation
Barry Gritters delivers a commencement address to seven graduates of the Protestant Reformed Theological School, emphasizing that pastoral ministry is an existence and calling rather than merely an occupation. Drawing on 1 Timothy 4:13-16, he reflects on the significance of the graduates' approval by Synod and the weighty responsibility they undertake as they await calls to minister God's Word and sacraments in the PRCA. The address provides pastoral and theological encouragement for those entering the office of minister.
(The text, slightly revised, but maintaining as much as possible the spoken form and personal address, of the graduation speech for the Protestant Reformed Theological School. Commencement took place on June 15, 2017, in Hudsonville PRC auditorium, for seven graduates: Matthew DeBoer, Brian Feenstra, Joseph Holstege, Jonathan Langerak, David Noorman, Stephan Regnerus, Justin Smidstra.) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee,...
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