Semănătorul (The Sower)
Octoberber 2022, Volume 3, Number 1
He Must Increase: Ministry Lessons from John the Baptist
Paul Coulter
ABSTRACT
John, son of Zechariah, commonly called ‘John the Baptist’ is a significant figure on the pages of the New Testament, not only in the Gospels, but also in Acts. Rather than focusing upon questions concerning John’s relationship to first Century Judaism or to Jesus, or on his theological function within the Gospel narratives, this article explores the relevance of John’s words for ministry in the twenty-first century. John’s words play a vital role in the Gospels in establishing Jesus’ identity and mission and also serve as a model for Christian ministers in how they think about themselves and speak about the Lord Jesus. In a context of high-profile leadership failings and a culture emphasising the ‘self’, John provides vital lessons for ministry.
KEY WORDS: John the Baptist, Christian leadership, burn out, servanthood, Christ-centered proclamation.
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