The minister in the Reformed tradition

the long version

Who and what is a minister? The Reformation doctrine of the priesthood of believers has come alive. This has led some to ask, why a special order of ministers? Many an ordained minister has no clear self-image as a minister. The minister today, lacking a secure assurance of who he is, does not grasp the nature of his authority. In fact, he may even dodge the issue and evade some of his responsibility by placing all his stress on the ministry of the laity. The minister is confused. The people are confused. And no definitive word can be spoken on the subject at present. It is hoped that this book will speak an authentic word. I write from within the framework of the Reformed theology and the Presbyterian system, and what is said will be colored by that perspective, from which I view the nature of the minister and his authority. The basic question is common to all denominations: What is a minister of Word and Sacrament? - Preface.