Ray Ortlund led a breakout session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana titled, “Pastor, You and Your Church Can Get Healthy Again.” Framing the conversation according to Paul’s affirmation of the church in Colossians 2:5, he addressed the issue of church health according to one indicator that combined good order and firmness of faith. When held together in tandem, the combination of those two seemingly dichotomous glories, Ortlund posited, reveals a church that is informed, united, convicted, and steadfast, reflecting the complexity and vitality of Christ. He closed out the session with four encouragements for pastors seeking health:

1. For your own soul’s sake, read The Whole Christ  by Sinclair Ferguson.
2. In your public ministry, preach through whole books of the Bible, especially the books you’ve never dared to preach from.
3. As you lead your church forward, never stop affirming your church.
4. Spread a sense of cheerful adventure by showing your people that you are growing.

This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Jen Wilkin’s newest Bible study, God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1–18.  Learn more at lifeway.com/deliverance.

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