The Unlikely Pastor: John Newton’s Journey to Ministry
In the spring of 1758, a young man in England named John Newton sank to his knees in prayer, marking the beginning of an intense season of spiritual seeking. This period of prayer, fasting, and Bible reading would ultimately lead him to surrender his life to the Lord and pursue a career in pastoral ministry.
From Sailor to Pastor
Newton’s journey to ministry was unlikely, to say the least. Born with saltwater in his veins, he spent nearly two decades sailing the seas before a surprise epileptic seizure forced him to retire from sailing at age 29. He went on to become a successful land-based surveyor of the tides in Liverpool, but despite his comfortable lifestyle, his heart remained restless for a higher calling.
A Call to Ministry
On his 33rd birthday, Newton wrote in his diary, “The day is now arrived when I propose to close all my deliberations on this subject with a solemn, unreserved, unconditional surrender of myself to the Lord.” He was fully persuaded that the Lord had called him to pastoral ministry, despite the significant pay cut it would entail.
A Long and Painful Transition
The road ahead was long and arduous. Due to ecclesiastical hurdles, it would take six years and the help of a distinguished patron for Newton to finally secure his first pastorate in 1764. But Newton persevered, driven by his conviction that the Lord had called him to serve.
A Legacy of Letter Writing
Newton’s ministry would ultimately be marked by his remarkable legacy of letter writing. Over the course of four decades, he penned hundreds of letters that offered valuable insights into the Christian life. His letters were prized by their recipients and often collected as family heirlooms.
A Theology of Progress
Newton’s theology was characterized by his understanding of the Christian life as a journey between two worlds. He believed that the true believer matures from spiritual child to adolescent to adult, and his letters were filled with spiritual progress. Newton’s theology was cohesive, and he was able to point other Christians forward, helping them move away from spiritual immaturity and toward spiritual adulthood.
A Kindred Spirit in John Bunyan
Newton found a kindred spirit in John Bunyan, author of the classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress. Both men had experienced dramatic conversions and had been called to ministry despite lacking formal theological training. Both relied heavily on their experiences and street smarts to lead others along the journey of the Christian life.
A Lasting Impact
John Newton’s legacy extends far beyond his famous hymn “Amazing Grace.” His letters and ministry continue to inspire and guide Christians to this day, offering a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel.
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