The Task of the Ministry (1)

In four distinct phases the task of the ministry of the Word is spelled out in the Form of Ordination. He must (1) preach the Word of God, (2) lead the congregation in public prayer, (3) administer the sacraments, and (4) together with the elders, exercise Christian discipline. Two things are to be immediately observed here. First of all, it ought to be evident to us that although our Form distinguishes a four-fold labor, the task of the minister of the Word is really one. All of these aspects...