Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:2-5 are the mandate for all those who are called to pastoral ministry. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once commented that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." He went on to say that "the most urgent need in the Christian church today is for true preaching and as it is the greatest and most urgent need in the church it is, obviously, the greatest need in the world also." To a generation in which the priority of preaching has been sadly diminished, the apostolic mandate remains. As a pastor places his confidence in the power of the Gospel itself, as applied by the Holy Spirit, the task of proclamation must be his clear priority. We trust that these studies will prove to be a great encouragement to pastors in this God-given task. As we remain true to this calling those in our congregation will become mature and grounded in the sound doctrine which is essential to all spiritual growth.
