While C. H. Spurgeon’s sufferings and pastoral ministry have often been explored separately, Spurgeon himself saw suffering and ministry going hand-in-hand. He argued that pastors must suffer because they are Christ’s particular servants, conduits of his grace to others. He also believed that suffering keeps…

This article examines John Calvin’s theology of pastoral suffering, an overlooked but relevant aspect of his theology for pastors struggling with the trials and difficulties of ministry. Calvin pictured the pastor as the chief agent of edification for God’s people, and therefore, the primary target…