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The Christian Ministry
The revival of the Church seems to be closely connected with the condition of its ministry. Bridges sub-titled the study of the Christian Ministry, 'An Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency', and, rightly used, it is well suited to promote a faithful and effective ministry.
The Christian Ministry is Bridges' best known literary work, but his expositions of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Psalm 119 are also highly valued.
Bridges begins by considering the general and personal cause of ministerial ineffectiveness, and goes on to examine comprehensively preaching and pastoral work. This book was one of the few which the godly Robert Murray M'Cheyne took with him to the Holy Land, and, in its field, it is without an equal.
The Christian Ministry is Bridges' best known literary work, but his expositions of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Psalm 119 are also highly valued.
Bridges begins by considering the general and personal cause of ministerial ineffectiveness, and goes on to examine comprehensively preaching and pastoral work. This book was one of the few which the godly Robert Murray M'Cheyne took with him to the Holy Land, and, in its field, it is without an equal.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 8, 2020
I am always convicted by this book. Bridges hits on pride, worldliness, and laziness to varying degrees. Last time I was convicted about my study habits. This time is was about my fear of men and want of affection for Christ and His people. His section on preaching plainly with clear application was also helpful. The book will not appeal to all. But there is little doubt that most ministers can find some gold that will strengthen them in their labors.
Read previously in 2010. Here is my review from then:
There were several sections of this book I found particularly convicting. Bridges does not mention much about liturgy or the Sacraments. So if you are looking for that this not your book. But that is where I have done a lot of reading. So it was not that necessary for me. But he does bring up things like laziness, hypocrisy, want of zeal and failure in family life. The chapter on "Preparation for the Christian Ministry" especially the section on study habits was like a knife in my soul. How many ministers squander hours on useless labors? Bridges is strong where many younger pastors are weak. I needed this book.
October 8, 2022
A well of biblical exhortation, teaching, and experienced observation regarding pastoral ministry from a wise man. The author’s knowledge and love of God’s Word is apparent.
September 22, 2022
First published in 1830, Charles Bridges explores the role of the pastor in The Christian Ministry. I would suggest taking this one extremely slow as it is very deep and gives much to ponder.
If you would like an easier read with very similar content and many many quotes from Charles Bridges, I would suggest Albert N Martin's - Pastoral Theology - The Man of God series.
The first book in The Man of God series can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
If you would like an easier read with very similar content and many many quotes from Charles Bridges, I would suggest Albert N Martin's - Pastoral Theology - The Man of God series.
The first book in The Man of God series can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
February 9, 2016
The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges is simply one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Virtually every page was helpful. Bridges' book is a theological and practical expose' on what it means to be a Christian pastor and preacher. It is significant that a book this old (1849) is still incredibly relevant. There are five parts to the book - let me give a quick run-down of each.
I. In part one, Bridges covers the origin, institution, dignity, use, necessity, trials, difficulties, comforts, encouragements, and qualifications of the Christian ministry, along with four steps of preparation for the ministry: habits of general study, special study of the Scriptures, habits of special prayer, and employment in the cure of souls.
II-III. Parts two and three deal with five general reasons and ten personal reasons why ministers are often ineffective. The general reasons include:
1. the withholding of divine influence
2. the enmity of the natural heart of man
3. the power of Satan
4. local hindrances
5. and the lack of a Divine call to ministry
The personal reasons (i.e. causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character) are:
1. want of entire devotedness of heart
2. conformity to the world
3. the fear of man
4. the want of Christian self-denial
5. the Spirit of covetousness
6. neglect of retirement (time alone with God)
7. the influence of spiritual pride
8. the absence or defect of personal religion
9. the defect of family relgion; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work
10. lack of faith
I can scarcely describe how heart-searching these chapters were. When I was working through these some months back, I felt very deep apprehension and fear over my personal accountability to God for the souls in my charge. I needed (still need) to feel that and Bridges pressed it into my heart like probably no author ever has. Those of you who know me best will readily see how much work yet needs to be done in my life regard to these ten things. Pray for me.
IV. Part four of the book details the public work of the Christian Ministry. Much space is given to the task of preaching, including the institution and importance of preaching, and preparation for the pulpit. The last sections of the book I actually read were those detailing the Scriptural mode of preaching the Law and the Scriptural mode of preaching the Gopsel. I suppose I put these off, because I didn't think I would agree with Bridges on his view of the Law, but I actually benefited immensely. I just underlined and underlined and underlined. It is so rich. Then there are also chapters on the mode of preaching (addressing both topical and expository preaching and extempore and written sermons) and the "Spirit of Scriptural preaching" (broken down into seven qualities: boldness, wisdom, plainness, fervency, diligence, singleness, and love).
V. Finally, part five deals with the Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry, addressing first, the nature and importance of the pastoral work, and second how to treat specific cases in pastoral work (i.e. the infidel, the ignorant and careless, the self-righteous, the false professor, natural and spiritual convictions, the young Christian, the backslider, the unestablished Christian, and the confirmed and consistent Christian.) This was an especially helpful section, giving much encouragement to me in the midst of some challenging pastoral responsibilities, and also supplying much insight in how to apply the Word to specific kinds of people.
It is impossible for me to do justice to the helpfulness of this book. I really know of nothing else quite like it, except maybe Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. But I think this is even better than that - because of its focus not just on preaching, but on pastoral work. Bridges is eloquent and full of the Gospel. Like Spurgeon said of Bunyan, he just bleeds Bible - prick him anywhere and his blood is bibline. He was also very well-read in the Patristics, the Reformers, and the Puritans, and quotes from their works often. There are lots of gems scattered throughout that it would be almost impossible for anyone to find elsewhere, unless they pursued a PhD in church history. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that the book has weight - gravity. It is a serious book, but serious in a joy-giving and helpful sort of way. If you are a pastor or elder (or want to be), I highly recommend that you read it.
I. In part one, Bridges covers the origin, institution, dignity, use, necessity, trials, difficulties, comforts, encouragements, and qualifications of the Christian ministry, along with four steps of preparation for the ministry: habits of general study, special study of the Scriptures, habits of special prayer, and employment in the cure of souls.
II-III. Parts two and three deal with five general reasons and ten personal reasons why ministers are often ineffective. The general reasons include:
1. the withholding of divine influence
2. the enmity of the natural heart of man
3. the power of Satan
4. local hindrances
5. and the lack of a Divine call to ministry
The personal reasons (i.e. causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character) are:
1. want of entire devotedness of heart
2. conformity to the world
3. the fear of man
4. the want of Christian self-denial
5. the Spirit of covetousness
6. neglect of retirement (time alone with God)
7. the influence of spiritual pride
8. the absence or defect of personal religion
9. the defect of family relgion; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work
10. lack of faith
I can scarcely describe how heart-searching these chapters were. When I was working through these some months back, I felt very deep apprehension and fear over my personal accountability to God for the souls in my charge. I needed (still need) to feel that and Bridges pressed it into my heart like probably no author ever has. Those of you who know me best will readily see how much work yet needs to be done in my life regard to these ten things. Pray for me.
IV. Part four of the book details the public work of the Christian Ministry. Much space is given to the task of preaching, including the institution and importance of preaching, and preparation for the pulpit. The last sections of the book I actually read were those detailing the Scriptural mode of preaching the Law and the Scriptural mode of preaching the Gopsel. I suppose I put these off, because I didn't think I would agree with Bridges on his view of the Law, but I actually benefited immensely. I just underlined and underlined and underlined. It is so rich. Then there are also chapters on the mode of preaching (addressing both topical and expository preaching and extempore and written sermons) and the "Spirit of Scriptural preaching" (broken down into seven qualities: boldness, wisdom, plainness, fervency, diligence, singleness, and love).
V. Finally, part five deals with the Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry, addressing first, the nature and importance of the pastoral work, and second how to treat specific cases in pastoral work (i.e. the infidel, the ignorant and careless, the self-righteous, the false professor, natural and spiritual convictions, the young Christian, the backslider, the unestablished Christian, and the confirmed and consistent Christian.) This was an especially helpful section, giving much encouragement to me in the midst of some challenging pastoral responsibilities, and also supplying much insight in how to apply the Word to specific kinds of people.
It is impossible for me to do justice to the helpfulness of this book. I really know of nothing else quite like it, except maybe Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. But I think this is even better than that - because of its focus not just on preaching, but on pastoral work. Bridges is eloquent and full of the Gospel. Like Spurgeon said of Bunyan, he just bleeds Bible - prick him anywhere and his blood is bibline. He was also very well-read in the Patristics, the Reformers, and the Puritans, and quotes from their works often. There are lots of gems scattered throughout that it would be almost impossible for anyone to find elsewhere, unless they pursued a PhD in church history. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that the book has weight - gravity. It is a serious book, but serious in a joy-giving and helpful sort of way. If you are a pastor or elder (or want to be), I highly recommend that you read it.
November 15, 2023
This book would have been pretty mind blowing and world rocking if I didn’t have Dr Troxel as a professor these last four years of seminary, who formed us in such a way that a lot of the truths in this book were sort of no brainers (though I am still very much in the new-born phase when it comes to applying them.)
Giving it 5 stars bc it’s still really good stuff
Giving it 5 stars bc it’s still really good stuff
November 25, 2021
Ma lecture préférée depuis bien longtemps. A recommander à tous les pasteurs et anciens. Certainement un livre que je vais lire et relire plusieurs fois dans ma vie !
December 31, 2020
To my surprise, this was thoroughly disappointing! Old, famous books, especially from this 1600-1800’s are usually gems. I can’t think of a book that is this famous (in ministry circles) that I’ve read that has been this disappointing. But honestly, I can’t give this more than 3 stars.
The biggest flaw of the book is how he just goes on and on and on, without much substance, with long, usually unhelpful quotes, with boring, bullet-point type argumentation and style, and without (to my surprise) many really helpful insights.
It is 410 pages, so of course there’s some helpful nuggets in here. But overall, it was a drag to read. It could’ve and should’ve been 150 pages max, and then it would’ve been overall helpful. But it wasn’t, and so I can’t recommend it. I will, though, consult it for my underlined portions in the future.
The biggest flaw of the book is how he just goes on and on and on, without much substance, with long, usually unhelpful quotes, with boring, bullet-point type argumentation and style, and without (to my surprise) many really helpful insights.
It is 410 pages, so of course there’s some helpful nuggets in here. But overall, it was a drag to read. It could’ve and should’ve been 150 pages max, and then it would’ve been overall helpful. But it wasn’t, and so I can’t recommend it. I will, though, consult it for my underlined portions in the future.
August 27, 2022
Very powerful book and would recommend for anyone going into ministry. I was convicted throughout. Bridges’ sincerity and godly character shine through his words. He speaks well-articulated truths that cut to the heart today for a generation who desperately needs it
August 14, 2021
This work is a fantastic guide to Christian Ministry, and despite being a dated resource is timelessly relevant. Bridges compiles a great treatise on how a minister of the gospel is to live and works through the duties of the pastor and of the church as a whole. In doing so he provides apt examples pertaining to sermon writing and giving to pastoral counseling. I wish I had read this sooner, and am slightly disappointed I did not have to read this for any of my courses in seminary. There are some sections that can get long and tedious, but for the most part this is an easy read.
February 14, 2024
A classic. Brimming with sage advice. Tolle lege!
December 6, 2025
Excellent. Maybe a bit intense, but wonderful quotes and illustrations. I love his law gospel in preaching at the end of the book.
November 12, 2019
Read with our pastoral interns.
Rich reflections on:-
1. View of Christian Ministry
2. Causes of a lack of success in ministry
3. Personal character for ministry
4. Preaching
5. Shepherding
Highly recommended!
Rich reflections on:-
1. View of Christian Ministry
2. Causes of a lack of success in ministry
3. Personal character for ministry
4. Preaching
5. Shepherding
Highly recommended!
August 8, 2020
The best book on pastoral ministry by far. This book stands guard as a watchman over the entrance to the ministry. If you are thinking about becoming a pastor, you must read this book. Current pastors would do well to read this once a year.
March 15, 2013
going through this again with a fellow pastor in town. there are few books on pastoral ministry that are as provocative and soul-searching as this.
March 7, 2012
This classic is simply unparalleled for the minister of the gospel. Although written in 1830, Bridges counsel is timeless! Outstanding!!
February 23, 2022
This classic text on the pastor's work of Christian ministry was at times heavy and difficult to read, but, boy, does it reveal much gold for those who are willing to dig! This book is absolutely packed with memorable and penetrating quotations. It also cuts deep to the heart: revealing the pastor's struggles, inadequacies, pride, and ineptitude. But the pastor is not left bleeding: Bridges always points back to the work of Christ on the cross.
I'm not sure I'll ever read this again cover-to-cover, but it would be very valuable to occasionally dig here and there to uncover a few gold nuggets.
I'm not sure I'll ever read this again cover-to-cover, but it would be very valuable to occasionally dig here and there to uncover a few gold nuggets.
May 26, 2024
If this book was written today by someone else, it would ground the lack of effectiveness in ministry in completely different things. This is why this is such an extraordinary book. Several points that this book highlights are way out of the minds of modern writers and readers (including myself). Entire chapters are devoted to things like "conformity to the world," "fear of man," and "the want of faith." Bridges locates much of ministry ineffectiveness in the minister's character (though he starts with just the general challenges of ministry outside of the minister's control). I rarely hear this brought up in discussion of ministry fruitlessness. Though Bridges is piercing in several places, his overall tone is pastoral and inspiring
February 12, 2021
A true slog to read. Verbose with an overabundance of quotations. Written by an Anglican pastor with too much space devoted to defense of the doctrines and practices of the 'Establishment' church (e.g. infant baptism). It is not that there is nothing to be gleaned from this book but that what little is there is not worth the time and effort.
March 30, 2020
One of the best books I have ever read on the pastoral ministry. Every pastor—or anyone who desires to pastor—will be encouraged, convicted, and blessed by this book. Though first published in 1830, its content is timeless and full of pastoral wisdom—and will prove as an unfailing friend and guide in the daunting task of shepherding. I am a better Christian, man, and pastor because of Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry.
August 29, 2024
This was a beautifully written, systematic, and eloquent, love letter to the Christian minister about his calling.
I would encourage every minister of the gospel to read Charles Bridge’s, The Christian Ministry.
I would encourage every minister of the gospel to read Charles Bridge’s, The Christian Ministry.
February 10, 2025
Even an abridged version of a book written in 1830 is hard to read and fully digest. Great insight and wisdom from Bridges, while he does seem to ramble a bit and I'm not sold on his balance of expository and topical preaching.
February 12, 2025
It’s been beloved for a long time for a good reason, but you can also tell that it’s been around for a long time. You better be strapped with a dictionary for 1800’s vocabulary near you at all times.
October 31, 2025
A book to read and reread. Full of wisdom, conviction, and challenge. Every pastor or aspiring pastor should read this book. It places the office where it belongs: in considerable weightiness and inexpressible joy. Bridges knows the heart and the ministry.
April 13, 2021
One of the best books I’ve read on being a pastor. If you are in, or are considering going into ministry, it is well worth your time.
August 28, 2024
I understand why Spurgeon required this for the Pastor’s College.
This was practically rich and pastorally wise.
Great read.
This was practically rich and pastorally wise.
Great read.
October 10, 2024
Read about half of the book for a class as required reading. Really astounding.
December 1, 2023
Extremely rich and experiential.
May 3, 2021
I have yet to read a more comprehensive book on the totality of Christian ministry than this book. In my opinion, if you have a college training young men for the ministry and this is not required reading, you are doing them a disservice. This book is that good. Over the past years, I have read and heard others recommend this book. Finally, I acquired the book in 2020 and decided to put it on my reading list for 2021.
There is only one problem with this book. Now that I have finished it, I need to immediately reread it again to allow its contents to sink in deeply into my heart & mind! This book is nearly 200 years old. However, the contents are as applicable to the ministry today as ever before.
I normally will include a myriad of quotes from a book when giving a review. However, there were so many sentences, paragraphs, and sections that I underlined and commented on, I wouldn't know what specific content to share.
Also, I have never seen a book so full of footnotes. And when I say footnotes, allow me to clarify - meaningful footnotes! I found myself again and again underlining content in the footnotes. It is apparent that the author culled his content from many who had gone before him. And here we are nearly 200 years later being blessed by his work.
If you are considering ministry, in ministry, or retired from ministry you should read this book. Put it on your list and read it soon. You, like me, will find yourself challenged, convicted, and encouraged by having done so.
There is only one problem with this book. Now that I have finished it, I need to immediately reread it again to allow its contents to sink in deeply into my heart & mind! This book is nearly 200 years old. However, the contents are as applicable to the ministry today as ever before.
I normally will include a myriad of quotes from a book when giving a review. However, there were so many sentences, paragraphs, and sections that I underlined and commented on, I wouldn't know what specific content to share.
Also, I have never seen a book so full of footnotes. And when I say footnotes, allow me to clarify - meaningful footnotes! I found myself again and again underlining content in the footnotes. It is apparent that the author culled his content from many who had gone before him. And here we are nearly 200 years later being blessed by his work.
If you are considering ministry, in ministry, or retired from ministry you should read this book. Put it on your list and read it soon. You, like me, will find yourself challenged, convicted, and encouraged by having done so.
February 25, 2016
This book was written in 1830 and it can be a little on the wordy side, yet it is filled with much practical and encouraging content. Bridges does not only bring his own understanding of Scripture and his experiences, but also the combined wisdom of many other pastors of the past through generous quotations from their works. He discuses the nature of pastoral ministry (including the preparation for it), causes of failure (external and internal to the pastor), the work of preaching, and the work of personal pastoral care.
"Faith also supports us under the trials of our Ministerial warfare with the clear view of the faithfulness of the covenant, and the stability of the church. And indeed, as all the promises are made to faith, or to the grace springing from it, this is the only spring of Christian courage, and Christian hope. Unbelief looks as the difficulty. Faith regards the promise. Unbelief therefore makes our work a service of bondage. Faith realizes it as a "labor of love." Unbelief drags on in sullen despondency. Faith makes the patience, with which it is content to wait for success, "the patience of hope." As every difficulty (as we have hinted,) is the fruit of unbelief; so will they all ultimately be overcome by the perseverance of faith. To gain therefore an active and powerful spring of renewed exertion, we must strike our roots deeper into the soil of faith." (p. 179)
"Faith also supports us under the trials of our Ministerial warfare with the clear view of the faithfulness of the covenant, and the stability of the church. And indeed, as all the promises are made to faith, or to the grace springing from it, this is the only spring of Christian courage, and Christian hope. Unbelief looks as the difficulty. Faith regards the promise. Unbelief therefore makes our work a service of bondage. Faith realizes it as a "labor of love." Unbelief drags on in sullen despondency. Faith makes the patience, with which it is content to wait for success, "the patience of hope." As every difficulty (as we have hinted,) is the fruit of unbelief; so will they all ultimately be overcome by the perseverance of faith. To gain therefore an active and powerful spring of renewed exertion, we must strike our roots deeper into the soil of faith." (p. 179)
April 17, 2019
It feels very strange and out of place to give a Banner of Truth book 3 stars. But I did so because I think there are much better books on the subject. (And also because the reading is a bit laborious, especially with the myriad of footnotes, half of which don't directly relate to the point at hand).
Overall, Bridges' historical context is evident in his approach to this subject. By and large, this is a book on piety. While I found much of this emphasis on piety challenging and constructive, especially given the secularism of our day, he often goes too far. Perhaps the best way to say it would be that this is a just a larger version of Richard Baxter's 'Reformed Pastor', which does not represent a doctrinally-reformed approach to Christian ministry.
Nevertheless, the section on 'the scriptural mode of preaching the law...and the gospel' is phenomenal and one of the best I've ever read on the subject. This is worth the price of the book and I will be returning to it again and again and again.
Overall, Bridges' historical context is evident in his approach to this subject. By and large, this is a book on piety. While I found much of this emphasis on piety challenging and constructive, especially given the secularism of our day, he often goes too far. Perhaps the best way to say it would be that this is a just a larger version of Richard Baxter's 'Reformed Pastor', which does not represent a doctrinally-reformed approach to Christian ministry.
Nevertheless, the section on 'the scriptural mode of preaching the law...and the gospel' is phenomenal and one of the best I've ever read on the subject. This is worth the price of the book and I will be returning to it again and again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews