The Christian Ministry with an Inquiry into the causes of its inefficiency

                                                            Written by Charles Bridges

   This is the first book that I have read that was a serious journey into understanding. Originally purchased to be a gift, for various reasons I still have it. Since I had it, I read it. I'm glad.
 A book first published in 1831 the language is of course Puritanical. That in itself made this a book that required full concentration and focus. There are many words and phrases that I had to search for definitions or explanations. The fact that it was written for those considering or already in the ministry and I a layperson added a measure of difficulty as well. Still, I found it more than an exercise in focus and concentration, I found it enlightening and educational.
 At one point in the reading I shared this on social media: "I'm just over half way through reading this book, my brain is screaming at me. I haven't read a book that I have had to take my time with and absorb in a long.. well.. since high school. (Not telling how long that's been)
I've looked up words and Latin phrases, I've reread passages just to make sure I had it clear and I'm seeing a thread of fine gold woven through-out the pages.
Make sure, that in all things, prayer and Christ is not just central, but integral. For He was, is and ever shall be a part of existence of the world and should be the same in our life. No matter what our stance and position in life."
 This book covers everything, beginning in Part One with The general view of the Christian Ministry, Part Two is General Causes of the Lack of Success in the Christian Ministry; Part Three is Causes of Ministerial Inefficiency Connected with our Personal Character, and so forth up to Part Six, Recollections of the Christian Ministry..
 Each part, every chapter within the parts and the wisdom they hold was eye opening. I was told that my reading books such as this gave me a peek into what is involved in the life of one who pastors a church. Reading this book, if a Pastor follows even a third of the advice and instructions written in these pages, their work is very involved, the requirement for knowledge, understanding, and the ability to share not just the words from the Bible, but who God is and why a relationship and not just believing is important.
 The slight difficulties to read (which did lead to a more concentrated focus therefore a better understanding) lead to a much brighter understanding and in the end I found it to be well worth the read. It was indeed time well spent.

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