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Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois, and the host of the podcast Doctrine and Devotion. He is also an active blogger and has authored several books, including *Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself* and *Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God*. Thorn's works have been praised for their ability to make the marks and mission of the local church clear and accessible to the common churchgoer. His books are said to be biblically rich and accessible to both theological scholars and newcomers. Thorn's works also emphasize the importance of preaching the gospel to oneself, combining clear biblical knowledge with an excellent grasp of doctrine from a historical Reformed perspective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Profession | Pastor |
| Church | Founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois |
| Education | MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary |
| Books | Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself, Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God, The Heart of the Church, The Character of the Church |
| Blog | JoeThorn.net |
| Contributions | The Story ESV Bible, The Mission of God Study Bible |
| Podcast | Doctrine and Devotion |
| Theology | Calvinist, Reformed |
| Preaching Style | Evangelistic, Expository |
| Focus | Christ, Gospel, Trinity |
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What You'll Learn
Joe Thorn's views on Calvinism and evangelism
Joe Thorn is a pastor and author who has written several books on theology and the local church, including "Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself" and "Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God." He is also a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible. Thorn is a Calvinist and has written about how Reformed theology has influenced his motivation for evangelism.
In his blog post "Reformed Motivation," Thorn discusses how his Calvinist beliefs have actually enhanced his passion for evangelism. He argues that the doctrine of election encourages him to share the Gospel because he is assured that God has chosen a people for himself. Thorn believes that people are dead in their sins and will not come to Christ unless the Father draws them. Therefore, he sees the preaching of the Gospel as a necessary means for awakening the dead.
Thorn acknowledges that there are those in the Reformed camp who have neglected their responsibility to share the Gospel of Christ. However, he attributes this deficiency to their hearts, not their theology. He asserts that Calvinism has not killed his evangelistic impulse but has produced a different kind of evangelism that is more careful but no less earnest.
Thorn's views on evangelism are also reflected in his church trilogy, which emphasizes the importance of biblical discipleship and the spread of the mission to all members of the church. In his first book, "The Heart of the Church," Thorn begins with the gospel of Jesus Christ, arguing that a biblical church must have its eyes fixed on the gospel in faith. The second book, "The Character of the Church," focuses on the marks of a healthy local church, which is structured and lives in a certain way because of the gospel.
In conclusion, Joe Thorn's Calvinist beliefs have influenced his motivation for evangelism, and he sees the preaching of the Gospel as a crucial means of salvation for those who are dead in their sins. While he acknowledges that some Calvinists may neglect evangelism, he attributes this to individual hearts rather than their theological beliefs. Thorn's writings on the local church also emphasize the importance of biblical discipleship and the spread of the gospel message.
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Thorn's views on the doctrine of election
Rev. Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois, and the host of the podcast Doctrine and Devotion. He is also an author, having written several books, including Note to Self and Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God.
Thorn's understanding of the doctrine of election is closely tied to his belief in the total depravity of mankind. He argues that because people are inherently sinful and unable to find God on their own, the preaching of the Gospel is essential for their awakening. In his view, God has chosen a people for himself, and it is the role of preachers to proclaim the Gospel indiscriminately, trusting that those predestined for eternal life will believe.
Thorn's Calvinist perspective also leads him to emphasize the role of grace in the doctrine of election. He suggests that God's grace should embolden believers to share the Gospel with others. Thorn cites the example of Jesus and the apostles, who preached indiscriminately, confident that God would draw those whom He has chosen.
Additionally, Thorn acknowledges the tension between God's divine sovereignty and human free will. He recognizes that this tension has been a subject of debate among Christians for centuries. However, Thorn maintains that the doctrine of election should not be a hindrance to evangelism. Instead, he encourages a deep and abiding love for Jesus as the primary motivator for sharing the Gospel.
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Thorn's views on the role of preaching in the Christian life
Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois, and the author of several books, including *Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself* and *Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God*. Thorn is a Calvinist and a strong advocate for the importance of preaching in the Christian life.
In his book *Note to Self*, Thorn emphasises the need for Christians to preach the gospel to themselves, in addition to receiving preaching from others. He argues that preaching to oneself is a daily discipline that involves applying the law and the gospel to one's own life through prayer and meditation on Scripture. Thorn suggests that this practice is essential for personal holiness and can provide rich reflection and comfort.
Thorn's views on preaching are also reflected in his blog posts, where he discusses the role of evangelism and the impact of Reformed theology on preaching. As a Calvinist, Thorn believes that man's total depravity underscores the necessity of preaching Jesus Christ. He argues that people are "dead in their sins" and cannot come to Christ apart from the Father's drawing. Thus, preaching the gospel is the means by which God awakens the dead. Thorn is encouraged by the doctrine of election to share the gospel indiscriminately, trusting that those predestined for eternal life will believe.
Additionally, Thorn challenges the notion that Calvinism hinders evangelism. Instead, he suggests that a deep and abiding love for Jesus, similar to that of historical evangelists like Charles Spurgeon and D.L. Moody, should motivate Christians to preach Christ crucified. Thorn also recognises the importance of doctrinal precision in the Christian life but cautions against making it the ultimate goal. He warns that knowledge can lead to pride and cause Christians to wander from their hope in Jesus.
Thorn's Church Trilogy, which includes *The Character of the Church*, further underscores his views on the role of preaching. In this series, Thorn emphasises that Christ and His gospel are at the heart of the local church. He presents characteristics of a healthy church, including the Word rightly preached, leadership functioning biblically, and grace-filled discipline. Thorn believes that preaching the Word in an expository manner is crucial for exposing individuals to their need for the grace of the gospel.
In summary, Joe Thorn's views on the role of preaching in the Christian life emphasise the importance of both public preaching and private meditation on the gospel. He encourages Christians to preach the gospel to themselves, applying it personally, and to share it with others, motivated by love for Jesus. Thorn's understanding of Reformed theology shapes his perspective on evangelism, and he sees preaching as a means of awakening individuals to their need for salvation.
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Thorn's views on the importance of the Trinity
Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois. He is also the author of the book "Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God", which offers a unique perspective on the importance of the Trinity.
The book is a collection of 50 brief, devotional meditations that reflect on the nature and work of the Trinity, specifically God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Thorn's work is described as "brutally honest, eye-opening, and encouraging", offering a down-to-earth approach to complex theological concepts.
Thorn's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the Trinity as a source of hope and comfort during difficult times. He argues that knowing and experiencing God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit transforms individuals and provides a framework for finding lasting hope. This is particularly evident in the endorsements for his book, which suggest that Thorn's work provides a "deep well of living water in the desert" and is "real medicine for the soul".
Thorn's personal struggle with depression influenced his writing. In the book, he reflects on his journey back to spiritual and emotional health, demonstrating how his faith in the triune God sustained him during this challenging period. Thorn's work highlights the importance of the Trinity in providing strength, grace, and comfort to individuals facing their own trials and uncertainties.
Overall, Thorn's views on the Trinity emphasize the practical implications of this doctrine for Christians' lives. By understanding and experiencing God as triune, Christians can find hope, comfort, and strength in their daily lives, even amid difficult circumstances.
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Thorn's views on the role of the local church
Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois. He is also the host of the podcast Doctrine and Devotion and the author of several books, including Note to Self and The Heart of the Church. Thorn is a self-described "churchman" and has written a trilogy of books on the local church's heart, character, and life.
- The Word rightly preached: A healthy local church must preach the Word in an expository manner that exposes people to their condemnation before the law and then lifts up the grace of the gospel of Christ.
- The ordinances rightly administered: The church must have a healthy understanding of the ordinances or sacraments and how they are a means of grace to God's people.
- Leadership that is formed and functioning biblically: This includes having leaders who are qualified and called by God, as well as practicing discipline with grace.
- The mission shared by all: The church must seek to see sinners repent and place their faith in Christ, and this happens through conversations, participation in local town life, and doing works of mercy.
- Scripture-shaped worship: Worship services should be shaped and filled with Scripture, pointing people's eyes to Jesus Christ.
Thorn emphasizes that the local church must always be rooted in the gospel and focused on Christ. He cautions against getting lost in the "weeds of particulars" regarding structure, worship, and other details that can distract from the glory of Christ. For Thorn, the role of the local church is to point people to Jesus and help them grow in their faith through biblical preaching, teaching, and worship.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Joe Thorn is the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois. He is also the host of the podcast Doctrine and Devotion.
Joe Thorn is a Calvinist and a strong advocate for Reformed theology. He believes in the importance of preaching the gospel to oneself and others, emphasizing the role of the gospel in personal transformation and evangelism.
Joe Thorn is the author of several books, including "Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself", "Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God", and a trilogy on the local church comprising "The Heart of the Church" and "The Character of the Church".
