Discipleship, spiritual formation, pastoral leadership and shepherding *primarily take place from the pulpit through the ministry of word and sacrament.
*Primarily does not mean exclusively.
“The great antidote to spiritual depression is the knowledge of Biblical doctrine, Christian doctrine. Not having the feelings worked up in meetings, but knowing the principles of faith, knowing and understanding the doctrines.”
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Jesus told both Judas and Peter beforehand that they would betray Him. This confirmed Judas in his hatred, but it paved the way for Peter's eventual repentance and restoration. Exposing sin hardens and confirms the wicked, but God uses it to lead the righteous to repentance.
"I'm sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves"
That is: I'm sending you out to be chased, tormented, terrorized, slaughtered, devoured. Let us count the cost.
How the church corporately worships (services, order, liturgy, emphasis, etc.) will most certainly form and shape what people think worship is, and who God is.
How a person responds to correction provides a clear window into their soul:
Proverbs 9:7-8 - “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”
If you really want to have an impact for the cause of Christ, you must play the long game. As a pastor, as a church member in a church, as a friend, as a parent: to be a real instrument of gospel change, don’t ever walk away if you can help it. That’s the way of Christian love.
“When the Scriptures say of the Son that he is less than the Father, the Scriptures mean in respect to the assumption of humanity. But when the Scriptures point out that he is equal, they are understood in respect to his deity.”
“this is the catholic faith” — Augustine