In Light of the Gospel

Michael Mckinley pointed out an article by Peter Y. de Jong in the Ordained Servant on the topic of family visitation. Turns out that the article is the first in a series of 10 examining the principles and practices of family visitation.

In the introduction, de Jong explains that one of the “salient features of the Reformed church life” is the practice of family visitation. In this task, the officers of the church exercise great care and supervision over the lives of the members. De Jong continues:

Lest we lose something which is distinctively Reformed and which has contributed immeasurably to the spiritual strength of our churches, our people should be better informed on the nature, necessity and purpose of family visitation. To meet this need in some small way these pages have been written.

Here are the links to the articles (in html form):

• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 1]” 1:1 (Jan. 1992).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 2]” 1:2 (Apr. 1992).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 3]” 1:3 (Sep. 1992).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 4]” 2:1 (Jan. 1993).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 5]” 2:2 (Apr. 1993).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 6]” 2:3 (Jul. 1993).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 7]” 2:4 (Oct. 1993).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 8]” 3:1 (Jan. 1994).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 9]” 3:2 (Apr. 1994).
• “Taking Heed to the Flock [part 10]” 3:3 (Jul. 1994).

Other Suggested Resources:

• Elder and His Work by David Dickson
• Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter
• Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges