Reported in Crosswalk.com:
The Christian Post reports that well-known author and pastor John Piper will be leaving the pulpit for eight months, his first-ever break from ministry in 30 years. Piper stressed that the break is not a resignation from ministry, but a time to address "ongoing character flaws." After his Sunday sermon at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, he said, "The reality check is what will happen to John Piper's soul ... and to my marriage ... and to my future ... when there will be no prideful sipping from the poisonous cup of international fame and notoriety." The 64-year-old preacher continued, "I need to find that out and I don't know any other way to do it." He stated that there is "no whiff of unfaithfulness" in his marriage, but that "several species of pride" have taken an emotional impact on Piper and his wife of 46 years, Noel. He said he hopes to return to ministry for another five years after this period of "fasting."
I'm proud of you, Dr. Piper. That takes boldness and humility to not only recognize the problem, but to take a break specifically to deal with it. Although Dr. Piper's theology and my own have often diverged, I find that his exegesis and his character are of the highest quality.
2 comments:
not related to this particular post- but I was wondering if it's ok with you if we add your blog onto the urban connections list of menno urban blogs? reply to Heidi@doornetwork.org I help with the UC website every so often.
Of course you may. Another, perhaps better blog is my homeless ministry blog: http://pastoralblog.blogspot.com/
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