Gospel Gazette, Bible Articles
Vol. 1, No. 3Page 19March 1999
Gospel Gazette, Bible Articles

Some Things You May Have
Wanted To Know About Your
Preacher . . . But Never
Bothered To Ask

By Glann M. Lee

Introduction:
  1. Scriptures:
    1. Rom. 10:13-17.
    2. 2 Tim. 4:1-8.
  2. Preaching the gospel is the most wonderful privilege.
    1. Of all callings God could have called upon His Son to pursue, He chose that Jesus be a preacher.
    2. Matthew Henry observed that "the ministry is the best calling but the worst trade in the world."
Discussion:
  1. Preacher Categories.
    1. Those forgotten.
      1. They had little influence on us.
      2. They "squandered" precious time and opportunities.
    2. Those never forgiven.
      1. They were harsh and failed in communicating.
      2. They may be looked upon in "after years" in pity.
    3. Those never forgotten.
      1. They cared.
      2. They prepared.
      3. They shared (communicated).
  2. Preacher Effectiveness.
    1. Know the Master.
      1. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3.
      2. Effective teachers practice what they preach.
        1. 1 Tim. 4:16.
        2. 2 Tim. 2:2.
    2. Know the message.
      1. They prepare.
      2. 2 Tim. 2:15.
      3. James 3:1.
      4. One cannot teach what one does not know.
    3. Know the mission.
      1. They share.
      2. Lk. 19:10.
      3. Christ died to purchase the church. Acts 20:28.
      4. The gospel is to be preached to all. Matt. 28:18-20.
    4. Know the methods.
      1. They care.
      2. Know people (human nature).
      3. Know possibilities (mold souls for eternity).
        1. The parable of the soils shows that not all are alike. Matt. 13; Lk 8.
        2. Rom. 12:18.
      4. Know problems (challenges).
    5. Know mercy.
      1. They know charity (love).
      2. They know compassion.
  3. Privileges (Joys) Of Preaching.
    1. The preacher is dealing with one's most precious possession - one's soul.
      1. Matt. 16:26.
      2. Mk. 8:36.
      3. Mk. 2:5.
      4. 3 John 2.
    2. Preaching is God's choice for His scheme of redemption.
      1. Matt. 28:18-20.
      2. 1 Cor. 1:17-22.
      3. 2 Tim. 2:2.
      4. 2 Cor. 4:7.
    3. Jesus was the master preacher / teacher.
      1. John 3:1ff.
      2. Matt. 4:17.
      3. Acts 1:1.
  4. Problems Of Preachers.
    1. Demands.
      1. Administrator, organizer, counselor, visitor, teacher, preacher, etc.
      2. Limited time.
    2. "Double standard" expectations.
      1. Often "higher standards" are expected of the wife.
      2. Children may feel they are in a "fish bowl".
    3. Defeats. (frustrations - setbacks) .
      1. Desire to do more.
      2. Indifference of times, members, etc.
    4. Disappointments.
      1. Members may not understand the work of the preacher.
      2. Members / community may have unrealistic expectations.
    5. Defense ("Security") problems.
      1. Housing, retirement, moving, expenses.
      2. Limited periods of usefulness.
    6. Depreciation of self.
      1. Not accept own limitations.
      2. Too hard on self.
  5. Preachers God Approves.
    1. Preachers of the gospel/truth.
      1. 1 Pet. 4:11.
      2. Gal. 1:8-10.
      3. Balanced preaching. Acts 20:20, 27.
      4. Preaching that exalts Christ.
        1. Gal. 6:14.
        2. Acts 8:1ff.
    2. Proper presentation.
      1. Eph. 4:15.
      2. Matt. 7:12.
    3. Personal example/preaching.
      1. 1 Cor. 11:1.
      2. 1 Tim. 4:16.
    4. Projection (world wide) preaching.
      1. Matt. 28:18-20.
      2. Mk. 16:15-16.

Conclusion:

  1. You have the power to "make or break" the preacher.
    1. Criticism.
      1. Constructive or destructive?
      2. Sandwich criticism between compliments.
    2. Cooperate.
    3. Commission to preacher / teach.
  2. Pray for the preacher.


Copyright 1999, conditions of use
Gospel Gazette Online
Louis Rushmore, Editor
4325 Southeast Drive
Steubenville, Ohio 43953-3353
rushmore@gospelgazette.com http://www.gospelgazette.com/ webmaster@gospelgazette.com