Sine Timore Aut Favore (1): A Motto for Preachers
Barry Gritters reflects on the ministerial calling to preach 'sine timore aut favore' (without fear or favor), emphasizing the importance of impartial, principled preaching that is not swayed by opposition or the desire to please congregants. He explores how while preaching transforms lives, the lives and reactions of church members can conversely influence the quality and integrity of gospel proclamation, and he appeals to pastors to seek God's grace to maintain fidelity to truth in their pulpit ministry.
If much thought is given to the pre-service prayers in the consistory room, these prayers can be very helpful and encouraging to the minister. During a couple periods of my ministry, one elder rarely failed to include in his prayer the phrase "without fear or favor." The phrase was used in the context of a petition for the minister's preaching. The elder prayed God to enable me to preach without fear or favor. It is an important expression, the significance of which every minister should pay...
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