Statistics vary on how many congregations are looking for Preachers. We know for certain the demand to fill pulpits across the brotherhood is greater than the supply! Our young men are being told to become engineers, welders, doctors, lawyers, diesel mechanics, and the list goes on. How many of our young men are being talked to, encouraged, or pushed in the direction of Ministry? How does this mindset impact the church? Let’s look at the importance of Preachers:
Who is a Preacher?: II Timothy 2:24 says And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient. A Preacher is to be a servant. Being a Preacher is a behavior, not a position.
What is the work of a Preacher?:II Timothy 4:2 says Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. A Preacher’s job description is centered on preaching the Bible 365 days of the year. Preaching the Word is job #1!
What are the qualifications of a Preacher?: 1 Corinthians 15:10 says But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. A Preacher is a diligent laborer focused on the goal of teaching the lost to be disciples. The Preacher understands labor is the foundation of the work.
This is the first in a series of three articles for the purpose of challenging all of us to look at the future of preaching. Jesus tells us the harvest is plentiful but laborers are needed (Matthew 9:37). Let’s look at our efforts in preparing future Preachers!
