I would like to share a portion of an essay I received recently regarding someone who wants to attend “Preaching School.” As part of the application process to attend this particular school, potential candidates have to write an essay based on the prompt, “Why I want to preach.” The first sentence in this young man’s essay simply says,” I want to preach because I feel the dire need of it!” As the essay unfolds, we see this young man’s immediate family & church family had a direct impact on his desire to preach! As we encourage future Preachers we must simply encourage and remind them:
Who is a Preacher?: I Peter 4:11 says, If anyone speaks, let him as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Let us encourage future Preachers to use their ability as they minister to others by always glorifying Christ!
What is the work of a Preacher?: II Timothy 2:15 says Be dilligient to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Someone once said that success has no finish line. Regardless of how much knowledge Preachers obtain, constant study is required for the next lesson, the next class, and the next Bible study!
What are the qualifications of a Preacher?: Acts 6:4 says but we will give ourselves continuously to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The Preacher realizes he cannot do the work of the Lord by himself. He realizes he needs God’s help!
As we prepare future Preachers let us understand: the potential Preacher pool is dwindling, we must identify men to Preach, and ask ourselves, are we preparing future Preachers?
