Deus Misereatur

  In "Diary of a Country Priest" by Georges Bernanos, the story unfolds as the young, idealistic priest meets grace that impacts and confronts both priest and parishioner. Very much like Chaucer's medieval parson, who cared for his flock at great cost to himself. This pastoral sense is what lies behind a new 168-page softback by T. Dale Johnson Jr., Executive Director of The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and the Director of Counseling Programs and Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The whole premise of the volume is soul-care should be reclaimed by church leaders, and how the congregation can be the healthy environment for such soul-care. In a nutshell, the book is primarily focused on pastors and ministers returning to the biblical role of " prayer and the ministry of the word " (Acts 6:4). The ministry of the word includes preaching and bible teaching, but also formal and informal counse...

  O Lord Jesus Christ, who lovingly has given yourself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil age, to deliver us from the dominance of the devil, and to deliver us from the fearful bondage of death, thank you! And as our great High Priest you regard the humble prayers of all who call upon you, all who call upon you in truth. Incline your ear and hear. Look upon your Holy, Universal Church which you are sanctifying, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, including this church and Southern Baptist Chapel, Southern Hills Baptist, Southpointe Church, and Southwest Baptist Church. Straighten out, O Lord, and have mercy upon all us ministers, pastors, elders, and overseers of your Church: aid us to shepherd the flock of God that is among us, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as you would have us do; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in our charge, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3). Reme...