Pastoral Theology: The Man of God - Albert N. Martin

Eric Kahure
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From 1978 to 1998, pastor Albert Martin taught a course at the Trinity Ministerial Academy on how to be an effective pastor. Every Friday, students would gather for two hours of instruction on this vital topic. Pastor Martin himself has been pastoring for over 50 years and brings a wealth of experience to bear on all the issues which relate to the pastor and his work. Fortunately, the last time pastor Martin delivered these lectures, they were recorded in video/audio format for the benefit of the church worldwide. These are the lectures which comprise the essence of this course.

  1. 08/06/2022

    Unit 8: Lecture 3 - Biblical Mandate for Evangelism | Albert N. Martin

    VI. Directives for Carrying Out the Task of Evangelism A. The biblical mandate for the task of evangelism 1. Mt. 28:16-20 a. To whom were the words spoken? b. The essence of the passage (1) Context- the Exalted Christ, and the ever present Christ (2) The assumed activity- Going (3) The clearly commanded primary activity- Make disciples (4) The specific attendant activities- Baptizing and teaching( 5) His promised presence in the endeavor c. Its great importance in the pastoral instruction of our people (1) Its Christ-centered nature is vital. (2) Its comprehensiveness is balanced. (3) Its compelling nature is inescapable. James I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008), p. 74 & 75. 2. Acts 1:8 a. The significance of the setting b. The essence of the task c. Its great importance in pastoral teaching 3. Phil. 2:14-16 a. The significance of the setting b. The essence of the text Robert Johnstone, Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians, (Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1875), pp. 181-184. c. The importance of this text from a pastoral perspective 4. The example of the Lord in His compassion for sinners. 1 Jn. 2:6; Mt. 9:36; Lk. 15:1-2 5. The example of the Apostle Paul in his sense of indebtedness. Rom. 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:22-23; Rom. 9:1; 10:1; 1 Cor. 11:1 6. The necessity of hearing the Gospel if men are to be saved. Rom. 10:9ff 7. The necessity of public confession of Christ as a badge of discipleship. Mt. 10:32ff SUMMARY AND APPLICATION: From these texts it should be clear then it is God’s purpose that the church should be a community whose life can only be exegeted by its message. It is possible to live blameless, gospel transformed lives before men, but unless those men hear the message which has produced such lives, they never will be saved. On the other hand, it is God’s purpose that the church should be a community whose witness is validated by its life – a lifestyle that enforces the truth that in its message alone is there life and salvation. In short, it is only when the church is comprised of lights that shine and mouths that speak, that the Church fulfills it’s God ordained mission.

  2. 08/06/2022

    Unit 8: Lecture 2 - Duty of Interchurch Communion | Albert N. Martin

    C. Some major biblical data underscoring our duty to cultivate interchurch communion We will consider first of all some of the key texts found in the book of Acts.  Whenever we are considering data from the book of Acts, we must always remember the distinction between that which is a record of the things that are “programmatic” and those that are “paradigmatic.” Then there is a second major block of texts, those that are found in the Epistles of the New Testament. Time will not permit me to read all those that I have listed in your notes, but I list them for your future consideration and reference. 1. In the Book of Acts Acts 9:26-31; 11:19-26; 15:1-35; 18:22 2. In the Epistles Rom. 15:25-28; 16:1-4; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 16:1ff, 19-222 Cor. 3:1; 8; 9; (esp. 8:19); 13:13; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 6:21-22; Phil. 4:15-16, 21-22; Col. 1:6-8; 4:7-9, 15-16; 1 Thes. 1:7; 4:9-10; 2 Thes. 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:19-21; Heb. 13:3; 2 Jn. 7-11; 3 Jn. 5-7 John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 183.John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 196.John Murray, Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), p. 335. D. Some practical perspectives and guidelines with respect to the performance of this duty 1. Some of the ways in which we can nurture and express our oneness with the body of Christ and foster real and productive interchurch communion a. By our acquisition, assimilation, and communication of information. It is impossible to read the Book of Acts, and the New Testament Epistles, and not perceive this principle emerging times without number. Eph. 6:21-22Col. 1:3-8 At the conclusion of the main issues to be covered this lecture, I will address the subject of “Interchurch Communication – Practical Counsels for Its Implementation” b. By the communication of concern and good will among the churches through the leaders This is equally patent in the New Testament literature. Phil. 4:21-22 c. By the communion of goods and material necessities. 2 Cor. 8, 9; 1 Jn. 3:16-19; Phil. 4:15 d. By cooperation in Scriptural causes. 2 Cor. 8, 9 e. By the sharing of ministerial gifts. Eph. 4:11; Acts 11:22-26; Rom. 16:1-2 f. By the recognition of the validity of oversight and discipline of other churches. 2 Cor. 3:1; 1 Tim. 1:20 g. By the seeking of counsel and offering of counsel when requested. Acts 15; Philemon h. By the periodic public recognition of other proven servants of Christ. 2 Cor. 8:18 i. By the public intercession for other churches and servants of Christ. Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:12-13 John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), pp. 192-193. 2. The extent or degree to which we can nurture and express our oneness with the body of Christ. a. To the extent that there is no erosion, compromise, or contradiction of our clearly defined doctrinal convictions, publicly defined mission, and present condition as a local church John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 190. b. In proportion to our unity of faith and life c. In consideration of our providentially arranged relationships in the body of Christ. Col. 4:12-13 John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 185. 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 26 paragraph 14-15 14. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification. (Ephesians 6:18; Psalms 122:6; Romans 16:1, 2; 3 John 8-10)

  3. 08/06/2022

    Unit 8: Lecture 1 - Cultivation of Interchurch Communion | Albert N. Martin

    V. Directives for the Cultivation of Interchurch Communion Introduction What I do not mean.Not addressing the issue of “open or closed” or even “semi-closed or restricted”practice in connection with the Lord’s supper. What I do mean.The fundamental issue I will seek to address is that which relates to how the specificlocal church in which you are an overseer should relate to other gospel churchesthat comprise the church universal. The areas of frustration in seeking to address this matter in a biblical and realisticway A. The foundational Biblical presuppositions of our study B. Some important introductory qualifications in handling the relevant materials of the New Testament  1. We must have a conviction concerning the existence of the one body of Christ,the Church UniversalEph. 1:22-23; 5:22-33Col. 1:18-19Eph. 4:41 Cor. 12:13Heb. 12:23Jn. 17:20-21Acts 9:31John Murray, The Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2,(Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), pp. 332-333.John Murray, The Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2,(Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), pp. 334-335.John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Bannerof Truth Trust, 1968), p. 192.2.  We must have a conviction concerning the independence and interdependenceof each local expression of the body of Christ.1 Cor. 12:27Mt. 18:15-20Acts 9:31; 16:4-5Rom. 16:4,161 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33bRev. 1:41. The apostles had a unique authority and function in nurturing interchurchcommunion in their day.Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22-231 Tim. 1:3 Titus 1:51 Cor. 7:172 Cor. 8-92 Cor. 11:281 Cor. 1:10Eph. 2:20John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (Edinburgh:Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), pp. 184-185..2. Nearly 2000 years of church history have greatly complicated the problemsconnected with nurturing interchurch communion in our day.1 Cor. 1:11-13Rom. 14:1-15:81 Cor. 8-10Gal. 1:8-93 Jn. 9-103. The vast expansion of the church numerically, geographically and culturallyhas complicated the task of nurturing interchurch communion in our day.4. The advances in technology have greatly increased our available tools fornurturing and hindering interchurch communion in our day.

  4. 08/05/2022

    Unit 7: Lecture 14 - The Priority of Decency, Order and Visible Integrity in the Outward Affairs of the Church | Albert N. Martin

    The Priority of Decency, Order and Visible Integrity in the outward Affairs of the Church

  5. 08/05/2022

    Unit 7: Lecture 13 - Practical Directives for Securing the Efficient Functioning of a Biblical Eldership | Albert N. Martin

    Practical Directives for Securing the Efficient Functioning of a Biblical Eldership

  6. 08/05/2022

    Unit 7: Lecture 12 - Formation & Functioning of A Biblically Established Eldership | Albert N. Martin

    Practical Issues Relation to the Formation & Functioning of A Biblically Established Eldership 1. Practical directives for establishing a Biblical eldership 2. Practical directives for the efficient functioning of a Biblical eldership

  7. 08/04/2022

    Unit 7: Lecture 11 - Framework: Parity with Diversity | Albert N. Martin

    3. The evidence for a parity of authority among the overseers John Murray, Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), pp. 346-347. a. The requirements for the one office are uniform. 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 b. The responsibilities of this office are laid upon all the elders as a body. Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Heb. 13:7, 17 c. The submission enjoined upon church members applies to all the elders individually and as a body. Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13 4. The evidence for realistic and harmonious functional diversity1 Tim. 5:17; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-5 Douglas Bannerman, Scripture Doctrine of the Church, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1887), p. 546. Gal. 2:11-12 Douglas Bannerman, Scripture Doctrine of the Church, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1887), pp. 548-550. FINAL COMMENTS CONCERNING PARITY ISSUE: This whole matter is once again being opened up and debated . In the April, 1983 edition of the Banner of Truth magazine, the leading article dealt with this subject. In volume two of Discussions of Robert Lewis Dabney, beginning on page 119, Dabney has an article entitled “Theories of The Eldership.” In his day, this issue was hotly debated within the Presbyterian denomination in America. pp. 119-157. Among the other matters under debate within the broad category of concerns for a biblical view of the eldership, that which has come to be known as the “two or three office theory” of church government was the focal point of very agitated debate and discussion. In the opening paragraph of his masterful article, Dabney makes this profound statement: “Each generation must do its own thinking, and learn for itself its own lessons and the first truths and general principles.” He then goes on to say that “If we insist that this generation of Presbyterians [any denomination or group of churches] shall hold our father’s principles on trust, and by mere prescription, the result will be that they will not hold them sincerely at all.” 3. Some necessary admonitions  1. Beware of an irresponsible, unrealistic, and simplistic literalism in applying the biblical standard for the office. 2. Beware of a precipitous pragmatism in seeking to attain the norm of plurality. Eph. 4:11 3. Beware of an incipient brethrenism in attempting to express parity of office. John Murray, Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), p. 347. 4. Beware of a hierarchal clericalism in the actual functions of the eldership. Westminster Larger Catechism #131 & 132: Q 131 – What are the duties of equals?  A.  The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, in giving honour to go one before another; and to rejoice in each others gifts and advancement, as their own. Q 132 – What are the sins of equals?   A.  The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, the undervaluing of the worth, envying the gifts, grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; and usurping pre-eminence one over another. Summary and conclusion: Bibliography:1. John Owen, vol. 15, pp. 502- 5062. Dabney, vol. 2, pp. 119-1573. Thornwell, vol. 4, pp. 43- 142 (Give a sampling of the debate-page 121- 58 A)4. Murray, vol. 2, pp. 345-3655. Douglas Bannerman, pp. 530-5536. Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership ( In my judgment, this is the finest one volume book setting forth a Biblical view of the eldership- a must read if you are serious about this matter )7. Lawrence Eyres, The Elders of the Church, P. & R.8. Witmer, Tim, The Shepherd Leader

  8. 08/04/2022

    Unit 7: Lecture 10 - Framework: Plurality of Elders | Albert N. Martin

    The Biblical, Normal, or Ideal Framework of the Task of Shepherding and Oversight INTRODUCTION I. Presuppositions 1. The biblical terms used for the office and task of oversight are synonymous and interchangeable. Acts 20:17 Acts 20:28 Titus 1:5, Titus 1:7 2. The presence and function of biblically qualified overseers is a matter essential to the well-being of the church. Acts 14:21-23 1 Tim. 3:14-15 with 1 Tim. 3:1 Titus 1:5  Douglas Bannerman, Scripture Doctrine of the Church, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1887), pp. 530-533.   II. The major thesis – The normal biblical framework for the administration of the task of oversight is that of a plurality of scripturally qualified overseers, functioning with genuine parity but with realistic, harmonious, functional diversity. 1. The evidence for a plurality of overseers as the norm a. The record of apostolic practice Acts 14:21-23 Titus 1:5 b. The description of Apostolic churches Acts 15:3-4, Acts 15:22-23; Acts 11:29-30; Acts 20:17; Acts 21:18 Phil. 1:1 c. The assumption of apostolic injunctions 1 Thes. 5:12 Heb. 13:7, Heb. 13:17 Jas. 5:14 1 Pet. 5:1-2   John Murray, Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), pp. 345-346. 2. The evidence for a biblical standard of qualification 1 Tim. 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-9 1 Pet. 5:1-4   John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 15., (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1966), pp. 493-496.

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From 1978 to 1998, pastor Albert Martin taught a course at the Trinity Ministerial Academy on how to be an effective pastor. Every Friday, students would gather for two hours of instruction on this vital topic. Pastor Martin himself has been pastoring for over 50 years and brings a wealth of experience to bear on all the issues which relate to the pastor and his work. Fortunately, the last time pastor Martin delivered these lectures, they were recorded in video/audio format for the benefit of the church worldwide. These are the lectures which comprise the essence of this course.

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