Author: Joe Miller

Characteristics of Baxter’s Soul Care Within the Local Church

Characteristics of Baxter’s Soul Care Within the Local Church

Posted by | Oct 2, 2020 | |

One of Richard Baxter’s passions was to help his people develop a robust theology so that by God’s grace, they would be able to carry the weight of the suffering and sin of life in ways that glorify the Lord (Isa. 43:7) while also experiencing satisfying joy (John 15:11; 17:13). My hope is that this post will direct your attention back to this seventeenth-century reformed pastor. Richard Baxter devised his soul care ministry to complement his preaching and teaching ministry, which could both inspire and inform soul care ministry within your church. This blog will first take a look at Baxter’s personalized approach in providing both individual and family soul care; second, his use of mid-week small group gatherings as means to extend the influence of Sunday sermons; and third, Baxter’s philosophy and intentionality of church restoration (discipline) as part of his comprehensive approach to soul care within the local church. Continue Reading →

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One Church’s Journey to Becoming a Training Center

One Church’s Journey to Becoming a Training Center

Posted by | May 29, 2020 | |

There are many pastors around the world committed to faithfully fulfilling the many responsibilities in shepherding the local church. For many, however, it is a daunting thought to consider investing precious time and energy toward equipping and training themselves and others for biblical counseling as part of shepherding the flock. May I encourage you to consider the possibility of establishing a culture of soul care within your church? Continue Reading →

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A Baxter Heart for Local Church Soul Care

Posted by | Feb 12, 2020 | |

Richard Baxter (1615-1691), considered one of the seventeenth century’s most influential reformed pastors, possessed an extraordinary heartbeat to provide biblical soul care to the people of St Mary and All Saints’ Church in Kidderminster, England, which resulted in a completely transformed community for the glory of the Lord (Isa. 43:7). Baxter believed, “It is no small part of a minister’s duty to counsel men, as a wise, skilful, and faithful casuist [duty].” However, in my personal ministry experience, over a span of twenty plus years, many churches seem overwhelmed with the relentless challenge to provide both the biblical cure and care for the souls of their people. Continue Reading →

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