We should like to offer the following points as a guide to the study of the syllabus:
1. The portions of Scripture suggested for each study (except the first) should receive at least as much attention as the relevant section in ‘The Reformed Pastor.’
2. It is not our intention to provide exhaustive questions: rather, we have given a ‘starter’ in each study. The leader of the group can follow up with other questions as necessary.
3. In the case of each study the following questions ought to be considered:
a) What are the primary similarities between the problems Baxter discusses and those which affect the ministry today?
b) What new or different factors, if any, are there in the ministry today which contribute to its ineffectiveness?
MONTH 1 INTRODUCTORY SESSION
a) Pages 7 – 17 : Packer’s Introduction.
b) Pages 19 – 22 : Brown’s Preface.
c) Pages 29- 40 : Baxter’s Dedication.
Are the reasons which Baxter had for writing relevant to us today?
What do we consider to be the principal areas of ineffectiveness in the Christian ministry today?
MONTH 2 THE OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES – THE NATURE OF THIS OVERSIGHT.
Scripture references : I Timothy 4:16
Matthew 7:15 – 23
Titus 2:7,8,15
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
1 Timothy 3:2,3.
Baxter: Chapter 1, pages 43 – 61
In what ways do our ministerial duties cause us to neglect the oversight of ourselves?
MONTH 3. THE OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES – THE MOTIVES FOR THIS OVERSIGHT.
Scripture references : I Timothy 4:12-16
I Peter 5:7-11 Baxter: Chapter 1, pages 62-76.
In respect to which of the ‘motives’ mentioned by Baxter do we fail most often?
MONTH 4. THE OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK – THE NATURE OF THIS OVERSIGHT.
Scripture references : Acts 20:17-27, and 31-35
I Peter 5:7-11
Baxter: Chapter 2, pages 77 – 101
Are all the pastoral duties outlined by Baxter obligatory?
If not, how does the pastor decide which should have priority?
MONTH 5. THE OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK – THE MANNER OF THIS OVERSIGHT.
Scripture references : I Thessalonians 2:1-12
I Peter 5:1-4 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Baxter: Chapter 2, pages 101 – 114.
Do we treat Baxter’s standard for pastoral work as attainable, or do we regard it as inevitable that we shall fail to attain this standard?
MONTH 6. THE OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK – THE MOTIVES FOR THIS OVERSIGHT.
Scripture references : Acts 20:28-30
I Peter 5:2,3.
Baxter: Chapter 2, pages 114-122.
Is there a danger, as we carry out the routine work of the ministry, of our losing sight of, a) our high calling as ministers of the gospel, and, b) the glory of the Church of God to which we are called?
MONTH 7. APPLICATION: THE USE OF HUMILIATION (1)
Scripture references: James 3:1
2 Timothy 2:15
2 Corinthians 5:9-21
2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Baxter Chapter 3, Section 1, paragraphs I and 2, pages 123-140.
What does Baxter mean by ‘humiliation’?
In what ways is the pastor particularly susceptible to pride?
MONTH 8. APPLICATION: THE USE OF HUMILIATION (2)
Scripture references : James 4:1-10
2 Timothy 2:4
Titus 1:8
Philippians 2:1-5
I Peter 5:5-6
Baxter Chapter 3, Section 1, paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, pages 140-162.
In what particular ways are we prone to worldliness?
Are we, as evangelicals, in danger of undervaluing the unity of the Church? Is there need for a corporate, practical humiliation on the part of pastor and people today?
Does our unwillingness to humble ourselves hinder the Lord’s blessing from coming upon us? (cf. I Peter 5:6, and James 4:6 and 10.)