Jonathan Aitken on John Newton's call to ministry

Jonathan Aitken, former MP and cabinet minister, author of the biography "John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace", which won the 2008 John Pollock Award for Christian biographies, explains why he thinks Newtons diarized thoughts in "Ministry on my mind" are such a good test in the 21st century for anyone considering whether they are being called into the ordained ministry. Young in his Christian experience, but growing steadily in discernment, John Newton wondered whether he was being called by God to be a minister. He set aside six weeks to study and pray about the expectations and requirements of ministry. He recorded his thoughts in a pocket diary, headed Miscellaneous Thoughts on entering the ministry (published now for the first time, as "Ministry on my mind"). It is an impressive document for several reasons. Newton roots his self-examination in Scripture, considers what he will have to give up and what he will have to take on. His personal humility shines through as he weighs up scriptural doctrine alongside his talents. Even though the document was written in the 18th century it is just as relevant now to any person who is examining whether they have been called to ordination. Jonathan Aitken has presented several copies of "Ministry on my mind" to Wycliffe Hall, the College in Oxford where he studied theology for several years, as he believes it is a wonderful guide for students who are searching to know Gods will for their lives.
To buy copies of "Ministry on my mind" visit the JNP shop at www.johnnewton.org.

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