By Howard Eyrich
Editor’s Note: Today Dr. Howard Eyrich helps us think through some nagging issues that continually come up from this pandemic. He responds from his own recent counseling ministry. He reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s response to the crises he also faced. You’ll enjoy this short blog and his ministry of encouragement to you today.
Perplexing Situation
In the past two days I have received emails or phone calls from church members frustrated with pastors/church leadership regarding the handling of C-19. I had some lengthy conversations with pastors who are struggling with “bowing the knee to civil government over-stepping their authority;” and others fearful of engaging with their congregations.
How Should They Handle It?
Pattern of the Apostle Paul
Believing in the sufficiency of Scripture expressed by the Apostle Peter, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…. (II Peter 1:3), I encouraged these lay folks and pastors that we must turn to Scripture for guidance and encouragement.
Remember the church was planted in a pagan world that consistently opposed the Gospel, the church. In this environment, the likes of which our culture is rapidly mimicking, the Apostle Paul modeled for us a two-pronged approach dependent upon prayer.
Pray aggressively
There is no better illustration of this than these two. His preaching on Mars Hill to the most sophisticated pagans and his taking on the heart of Judaism regularly to the endangerment of his life.
Patiently utilize secular authority
This we observe in his series of trials ending with his appeal to Caesar. He was a Roman citizen and played that card. So, we are American citizens and we should play the card of the Bill of Rights.
Prayer Plan of the Apostle Paul
There are at least six instances where Paul calls for the church to pray and gives them a plan. We do well, people and pastors, to utilize this plan in the current crisis. I will briefly point these out and encourage you to look up the texts.
- Prayer is Powerful and Effective (Phil 1:1-11)
Paul had confidence that prayer was powerful and effective (v 9). - Prayer is Partnership in ministry (Rom 15:30)
Paul saw payer for him as an opportunity for the people to partner with him in ministry. Such prayer also diminishes criticism because we have been involved in prayer seeking wisdom for the one doing ministry. - Prayer for Power released in proclamation Eph 6:19)
Paul understood that the effectiveness of his call was dependent upon God. He called upon God’s people to pray for the power of God in proclamation. We would do well to pray for power rather than critiquing pastors for not speaking to an issue. - Prayer for Provision of Effectiveness of leadership (Rom 15:30-31)
Paul expected opposition within the church and sought prayer that his leadership would be found favorable. - Prayer for Protection from the wicked (2 Thess 3:2)
Political opposition came often. He was run out of this city and others. Tyrants populate in crises. We have seen this in recent days. Pray for protection. - Prayer for Permission from God (Rom 15:32)
Paul knows what he desires. He requests prayer for God’s permission to do so.
Pointed Implementation
Implementation is simple. PRAY the pattern!
It generates hope, confidence, patience, power, and proclamation of the gospel.
About the Author:
Dr. Howard is married to Pam, has two adult children, and eight grandchildren. He currently teaches, is an elder, and serves as a board member of the International Association of Biblical Counselors and a fellow in the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. He has served multiple congregations as a church planter, senior pastor, and elder. He has authored multiple books and articles. Over the years, he served working on the staff of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation as Counselor and Director of Curriculum Development, the first Executive Director of then the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (now ACBC), and has led multiple training programs in seminaries and churches. He currently serves as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program in Biblical Counseling at Birmingham Theological Seminary.
In addition, God has allowed me to be his friend.
Image Credit Joshua Hanks
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