No man has influenced my pastoral life and vision more than Robert Murray M’Cheyne. He was a man of ordinary gifting, but of tenacious love for the sufficiency and beauty of Jesus Christ. The more I read him the more I’m convinced few pastors of old are as worthy to hear today as Mr. M’Cheyne (hence why I hope to do my PhD research on him).

26 Traits of a Faithful Pastor

In one morning’s bible reading M’Cheyne meditated on 1 Thessalonians 2 and Paul’s example of ministry to the church at Thessalonica. In a manuscript quarto—think “journal”—M’Cheyne answered the question, “What should a minister be?” from Paul’s instruction. He came up with twenty-six different characteristics of healthy gospel ministry. May these encourage and challenge you:

1. Bold in our God. Having the courage of one who is near and dear to God, and who has God dwelling in him.
2. To speak the Gospel. He should be a voice to speak the gospel, an angel of glad tidings.
3. With much agony. He should wrestle with God, and wrestle with men.
4. Not of uncleanness. He should be chaste in heart, in eye, in speech.
5. Not of deceit or guile. He should be open, having only one end in view, the glory of Christ.
6. Allowed of God to be put in trust. He should feel a steward, entrusted of God.
7. Not as pleasing men, but God. He should speak what God will approve, who tries the heart.
8. Neither flattering words. He should never flatter men, even to win them.
9. Nor a cloke of covetousness. Not seeking money or presents, devoted to his work with a single eye.
10. Nor of men sought we glory. Not seeking praise.
11. Gentle even as a nurse.
12. Affectionately desirous of you. Having an inward affection and desire for the salvation and growth of his people.
13. Willing to impart our own souls. Willing to suffer loss, even of life, in their cause.
14. Laboriousness night and day.
15. To preach without being chargeable, to any of his people.
16. Holily.
17. Justly.
18. Unblameably we behaved among believers.
19. The daily walk.
20. Exhorted every one. Individuality of ministry.
21. As a father. Authority and love.
22. Thank we God. He should be full of thanksgiving without ceasing.
23. Should be with his people in heart, when not in presence.
24. Endeavoured to see you. His people his hope. That which animates him.
25. And joy. Immediate delight.
26. And crown of rejoicing. When he looks beyond the grave.