Ministry Without the Gospel

John Piper attends a mainline church every year. My proposal: pastors ought to attend a church or conference every year that’s biblically orthodox but that doesn’t preach the gospel.

I’ve done this a few times now, and it’s sent me home with a renewed passion to make the gospel central in my own ministry. When I attend a church or conference with great music and practical messages but no gospel, I feel hungry because I know that I’m being given what I like but not what I need. As my hunger and frustration grow, my resolve to make the gospel central in my own ministry grows.

We’re in danger of assuming the gospel, not just denying it. So let’s avoid this danger. Let’s see with our own eyes what it looks like to assume the gospel, and then let’s recommit to making the gospel central in our own lives and ministries.

Find the best biblically orthodox church you can that doesn’t preach the gospel. Sign up for the most practical conference you can find that will give you all the steps you can take without any of the power. Attend every year, and let it renew your commitment to know nothing but Jesus and him crucified.