Recently, I was doing some research on author Ian Murray and stumbled across a post from a blog called, “Pastor and People.” The blog’s author, Dustin Benge, was talking about a correspondence he had with Mr. Murray in which he inquired of Murray for some of his wisdom on taking up a new pastorate. Regarding this work, Murray wrote back that, “It is the best work in the world, but not only the hardest – it is quite beyond our own resources…Distrust of self and childlike trust in Him are our lifelong needs.” He went one to share several other points which Benge summarizes below:

1. If God calls you to a people, he will put some special regard for them in your heart. For you have to express His love and concern for them. Love to Christ and love to the people is the foundation and always to be kept first.

2. Be slow in forming assessments of individuals. Some of whom you at first expect much may turn out to be disappointing; others you scarcely noticed at first prove to be your best helpers. Try to avoid special friendship in the congregation. Remember the people who seem to want your time, maybe not the persons who need it most.

3. Be careful never to promise anything without fulfilling it. (You should probably therefore keep a record of everything you promise.)

4. You need to gain the affection of the people and at the same time avoid trying to be popular. Divine grace is needed here as elsewhere.

5. Follow as much as you can all the current usages and practices – don’t hurry to change anything. If there is something serious that you cannot accept you will hopefully see it before you accept the call and can discuss it beforehand with the deacons/calling committee.

6. Do not be too tied to theories on what you must preach; how long your sermons should be etc, etc. You need to study the people’s needs. Jesus spoke “as they were able to bear it.” Better sermons be too short than too long. Love for the people will dictate much you do or do not do.

7. In my experience the people most needing attention in a congregation are usually those on the fringe of things – the half-committed maybe.

8. Concluding, he warns of our cunning adversary the devil who will attack personally as well as the ministry we participate in. He says to make regular prayer times and reading of the Scripture a daily habit.

Now, those are some insights that are worthy of serious consideration and prayer. Might I also add that you are really missing out if you have not read any of Ian Murray’s books. I personally have dedicated myself to reading all his writings. A good starting place would be Evangelicalism Divided. You can find all his works on Amazon or at Banner of Truth. I hope you will give him a read if you have not already.