You Can Do Better

Watching the election year primaries unfold, it is clear disgust surrounds the individual in the White House and the top two challengers for the office of President of the United States.   The man in the White House characterized his last three years with deception, poor stewardship, and immoral decision making.  One of his challengers has a past characterized by philandering and broken trust while the other has demonstrated immoral choices involving support of homosexuality, abortion, and stem cell research.  This speaks completely to their moral fiber; it does not address their failures of ideology or misdirected spirituality.  Presently and historically, America stands as a land of many moral people with sound ideologies; however, the current abomination presented before the nation represents their choice to accept something less than great.  America could do better.

I Samuel 5b-7 – “…now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”

The false choice society often believes to be their only choice is:  “Choose the lesser of two (three, four, etc.) evils.”  Consider a young boy presented with two choices for a dinner vegetable.  The first choice is creamed spinach.  The second choice is brussel sprouts.  Yuck!  He has been down that road before and knows he doesn’t like these vegetables.  The child, believing these to be the only choices, feels miserable.  Yet, not all children believe this scenario to be true.  They know other good vegetables exist.  When not offered other choices, some children see a bigger picture where they refuse to swallow what has been presented.  They know they can do better.

Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Again consider the child who won’t eat the choices of vegetable put before him.  Will there be pressure for the child to accept the choices?  Yes!  The voices telling America to swallow what they know they don’t like, come from sources of power.  For instance, the media with far reaching access tries to force its own choices down the throat of the citizenry.  They coax, cajole, and try every tactic they can to get Americans to accept their choice.  “This item looks the same but try it again, you will like it”.  “Don’t worry, this choice only sat in the garbage for 30 seconds”.   Because they have the power to put their choices before Americans while ignoring other better choices, they do.  They have their own agendas and they get money or favors to put forth specific agendas by other sources of power.  Unfortunately, these human sources of power do not put forth the best interests of the people.  They choose the rich or powerful.  They choose the good looking or well articulated.  Their standards are not built upon foundation, but upon fascia.  They could do better.

1 Samuel 16:6-7 – “And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

 Though America chose the motto, “In God We Trust”, in 1956, a wide swath of the country chooses not to follow God’s precepts.  In doing so, they follow their own notions of what seems right.  The citizenry allows human sources of power to limit the field of governing choices based upon faulty criteria. In 2008, Americans were presented with two lousy choices to fill the office of president.  One of those choices was picked and America suffered for it.  In 2010, Americans came out in droves supporting the choices of morality, justice, and honesty across the land.  In most cases, they were successful.  They chose from the ground up to choose representatives who represented a godly model.  Yet, now, in the presidential election year of 2012, the presidential choices placed before them appear so souring the citizenry agonizes.  What happened?  Americans once again gave over the decision making for their choices to others.  They could have done better.

Deuteronomy 12:8 – “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes for ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.”

The scenario looks bleak.  On Election Day, many will choose simply not to swallow the choices.  By this, it is meant they will not vote at all.  They will not make a false choice.  This will likely mean many good candidates will not be elected in state and local positions, because votes will be absent.  Evil will abound!  Yet, there is a scripture from the Bible which says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)  Those who claim to follow God should be present on Election Day to provide votes for those who will lead in a righteous manner.  But doesn’t this then force the individual to accept a distasteful choice for president?  No.  Acting in that fashion would be a false choice.  Americans can show up to their polling places, vote for the righteous men in local races and either write in an appropriate choice for president or refrain from voting for the poor choices.  No “lesser evil” exists.  Choosing something against God’s Will is always wrong.  Americans can do better.

1 Samuel 13:11-13 – “And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”

 In the I Samuel text, King Saul of Israel was faced with a dilemma.  The Philistines were preparing to attack.  A prophet of the Lord, Samuel, told King Saul he would come and present offerings to God.  Yet, the time had come and no Samuel.  God had not given Saul permission to offer a sacrifice himself, but there was no one around to do it.  Saul’s apparent choices: Offer sacrifices to entreat the favor of the Lord or not.  In Saul’s mind it seemed right to sacrifice to God.  However, his human reasoning was wrong.  Doing something which God has not authorized is evil.  Man may not reason it as evil, but this does not alter the facts.  Applying this to the political situation in the United States, when only an unrighteous choice for president seems to be present, it is really a false choice.  Do not be like Saul and make the false choice.  Do not swallow the poison.  Is it possible the citizenry will choose evil?  Yes.  That would be quite likely.  However consider:  first, the individual will not have done evil offending God.  Second, God will cause the result to work out for good (Romans 8:28).  If Americans truly believe the motto “In God We Trust”, then they will indeed approach it not only in word, but deed also.  When Americans return to only accepting Godly choices from the beginning, the choices will be far more abundant and tasteful than present.  American can do better.

Joshua 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

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How Often Does God Talk to You?

Prayer stands as a key component of a Christian’s life.  When a Christian prays they share their gratefulness, reverence, thoughts, concerns, and needs with the Eternal Father.  Even non-Christians talk to God at times in their lives.  However, prayer represents only one side of communication with God.  Men need to let God talk.  Unfortunately, the wide majority of the world refuses to give God the opportunity.  If they would let Him talk, they would be much better equipped for the lives that they have been given.

Those who give God the chance to talk to them learn:

  • God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
  • God does not listen to the prayer of the sinner (Isaiah 59:1-2).
  • There exists only one way to heaven, not many (John 14:6).
  • Few people find their way into eternal life, the majority find only destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
  • Faith only does not save (James 2:17).
  • A Christian’s life was created in Christ for good works (Ephesians2:10).
  • Those who disobey the truth will meet the wrath of God (Romans 2:7-8).
  • God does not wish anyone to perish, but gives them time to choose repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
  • Man can understand the Will of God (Ephesians 3:4).
  • God requires man to study His Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
  • The truth of God is to be shared with all creation (Mark 16:15).
  • The Love of God is that man keeps his commandments (I John 5:3).

Christians to whom God talks demonstrate a far better understanding of their life purpose than others.  How can a person know for certain if God has talked to them?  Is it an emotion or feeling?  Will they see visions or dreams?  No.  Outside of the reminder of creation, God talks to man only in one way today.  He talks to man when they listen to His Word, the Bible.  The best way of letting God talk is picking up the Bible and reading.  How often does God talk to you?  Do you schedule time each day for him to talk?  If you haven’t taken the time before, no better time exists to start than today.  He wants to talk to you soon and often!  Let him share with you the knowledge which pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).

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The Seeking Preacher – “Seeking a Congregation”

“Seeking a preacher” appears to be a one sided affair.  A congregation shuffles through some resumes, does a few interviews, allows a preacher to bring a few messages, and then they take their pick of who they want in the pulpit.  But reality begs to differ.  While a preacher may not put out ads “Seeking a congregation”, he does choose where he will preach.  A great number of preachers receive interest from congregations, only to tell them, “No thank you”.  Some preachers take proactive steps to find a congregation by posting their resumes in various publications with a message of interest for congregations to contact them if they need a preacher.  However, the ads approach the situation in a manner that says, “choose me if you find me acceptable.”  What if preachers decided to take out “Seeking a Congregation” advertisements that put the congregation on the side of demonstrating their worth?  Contemplate four potential areas preachers might examine:  leadership, assembly, congregational work ethic, and social activity.  These areas will be examined momentarily, but one clarification needs to be mentioned.  As the preacher lists these four areas of qualification for a congregation, understand his primary motive:  “What is the potential for new birth?”  Yes, a preacher concerns himself in part with secular concerns regarding pay, living arrangements, etc. but preachers study and share the gospel for the purpose of saving souls. If money attracted them most, they would not choose to preach. They love God and they love man and seek to make a difference.  Their secondary motive: Strengthening souls who know Christ.  A congregation which presents the opportunity to reach new souls and strengthen existing souls captures the heart of a preacher zealous for God.

What attributes do preachers expect from the leadership of a congregation?  First, they desire the leadership be active.  The passage Acts 20:17-35 recounts Paul’s words to the elders of Ephesus.  Responsibility rested with these men to care for the church and labor to support the weak members. Titus 1:8-11 speaks of elders being dedicated to hospitality and stopping sin in the Church.  Finally, Paul in I Timothy 3:5 declares elders care for the Church. Taking care of my wife and two children requires love, patience, and activity on my part.  Caring for an entire congregation represents a body of work needing constant vigilance.  An eldership that does not actively work counseling, guiding, encouraging, reproving, and focusing on the soundness of a congregation brings great pain to a preacher.  An eldership sets the tone for a congregation to be lazy or to work.  Elders constitute a body of men the preacher himself should desire to emulate.  These men by qualification should be godly men whose example of labor and spiritual strength inspire.  If this does not appear to be the case at a congregation, a solid preacher may pass on sharing the word in that location.

As a second attribute, seeking preachers expect elders to be fatherly.  Our Father in heaven represents the ultimate example for elders.  God is supportive, protective, and a disciplinarian.  When Israel followed in the steps of God, he blessed them (Deuteronomy 28).  This demonstrated his support for proper behavior. The support highlighted the godly actions and said, “Continue to do this!”  Elders should be the biggest cheer leaders of a congregation. By giving praise and showing joy over the congregation’s behaviors, elders affirm the congregation walks a path pleasing to God.  On numerous occasions, God demonstrated Himself to be a protective Father.  He watched over Israel continually as they took the Promised Land.  He sheltered the lineage of Jesus throughout the ages.  He delivered the apostles from moments of what would normally be considered certain doom.  Likewise, fatherly elders protect and deliver their flock through many perils.  Quite often, the congregation does not even realize when false teachers have been turned back or vicious wolves have been chased off by an eldership.  God not only supports and protects, but He continually disciplined Israel for their disobedience.  This fatherly attribute sadly lacks in many congregations today.  Quite often, this results from congregations operating without elders.  However, even among many congregations with elders, discipline does not exist.  Proverbs 13:24 – “He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”  Love is not an absence of discipline.  Preachers practically pull their hair out when they see sin rampant in a congregation and elderships not correcting it.  Preachers desire good, fatherly elders.

A third attribute seeking preachers expect from a Church’s leadership is communication.  Ecclesiastes 12:11 – “The words of the wise are as goads; and as nails well fastened are the words of the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.”  Let’s be clear, elders do not need to communicate everything to a congregation.  They do not need the approval of a congregation.  An eldership which acts according to scripture is ordained by God to shepherd and that never means congregations direct them or gets to “vote” on issues.  However, communication acts as a staff of direction for a shepherd.  Where does an eldership desire the congregation to be spiritually?  What steps does the congregation need to know so they can feed and grow.  What can each member do so they can strengthen the Church?  What pitfalls should a congregation be aware of so they as sheep do not fall into a pit?  How can they reach out to bring other sheep into the fold?  This type of communication aids a congregation and comforts them.  A congregation not receiving such shepherding appears lost and may even be a grumbling congregation.  Preachers desire to be with sound congregations ready to engage the world.  They do not wish to be with ones cowering in fear of the unknown because their elders do not communicate with them.

Finally, a seeking preacher desires to see a visionary leadership.  Leaders prepare and direct.  Peter directed the Christians to keep their hope on the future appearing of Christ (I Peter 1:13).  Yes, this may be seen as a daily activity, but it also points to the future.  In the parable of the talents, two servants did well in care of their master’s possessions. The third servant did poorly because he did not have a proper vision for the future.  Christians are to have their minds set on things above (Colossians 3:2).  In order to focus on the things above, a vision of the future must be firmly affixed in the minds of Christians.  No heavenly vision will be recognized without the obedience of Christians to God’s Word.  Thus, an elder looks into the future and thinks about how the flock will stand before God.  The eldership must focus on how to engage a congregation to grow and work.  A great wide world lies in reach of the Church, but without a visionary eldership, the world fails to be reached and congregations lose hope.  Seeking preachers do not want to be part of such an atmosphere.

When a preacher seeks a congregation, he cannot help but see the obvious.  The assembly embodies the most visible sign of a congregation’s health.  First, does the congregation demonstrate reverence to God?  Congregants who come to worship looking as if they are ready for a ballgame or as if they just rolled out of bed, do not demonstrate reverence.  Short skirts, faded jeans, low cut or tight skirts, shirts with worldly messages on them, this does not look like a congregation which consecrates itself before God.  Yes, some people cannot afford fine clothes, but when they come before God they should bring their best – not be all wrinkled and untucked.  Do the congregants possess their Bibles by their side ready to examine God’s Word?  Do they give their attention to the worship or do they doodle, daydream, talk, and text?  Second, can joy be seen in the congregation? Are they glad to be assembled?  Do the members warmly greet one another?  Is energy seen in their faces if not bodies?  Or does the congregation appear to be half in the grave?  Why would anyone want to brings his family to a body of Christians who seem miserable?  Third, do the leaders and congregants come prepared?  Are songs picked out in the last moment to lead the worship?  Do the class leaders really prepare to teach a class or do they just appear to facilitate a discussion of opinion amongst the Church?  For classes with homework, do the Christians actually do it?  Are they even trying to do it during the class though they did not pay attention to it the entire week before?  If a congregation cannot be prepared to worship, how will it be prepared to meet God?  Fourth, do the worshippers participate?  Does the congregation mumble though songs of praise to God or sit quietly instead of singing?  Worship represents an action to be engaged upon by a congregation, not theatre for them to watch.  Finally, do the Christians consistently attend?  Is there a major drop off from Sunday morning, to night to midweek?  What about gospel meetings, lectures, VBS, singings, or other spiritual activities?  A seeking preacher pays attention to all of these areas.  He does so out of concern for the spirituality of himself and his family and those he might bring to the Church.  Preachers do not want to have new birth just to see its life crushed out rapidly by a dead congregation.

What is a congregation’s work ethic like?  A seeking preacher wants a congregation with whom he can get his hands dirty.  Does he hear from the congregation about all the activities they are involved in?  Card writing, prison ministry, home studies, senior center classes, door knocking, phone calls, are these all part of ongoing activity for the Church?  Does the congregation take serious Mark 16:15?  Do they visit the orphan and widow (James 1:27).  Does the congregation expect the visiting to be done by the preacher or do they realize visitation rests upon the shoulders of every member of a congregation?  Does the congregation have a heart to visit?  Do they have a mind to work?  Are they actively seeking opportunities to help spread the Word?  A body of Christians such as this with the Godly direction of an eldership can accomplish much.  Yet, many congregations do not engage in the work.  They do not want to be seen knocking doors because it might make them look like Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses!  Shame on this attitude!   A lack of desire to work because “we have tried before and it failed” demonstrates a lack of obedience to God.

Many understand why a seeking preacher would examine the leadership, assembly, and work ethic of a congregation, but why the social activity?  Acts 2:46 exemplifies the ideal church body.  They desired to be with one another.  Romans 12:2 speaks of a body not wanting to be conformed to a world, but transformed from what they formerly were.  2 Corinthians 6:14 speaks of not being bound together with unbelievers.  Philippians 4:8 speaks of desiring the pure and holy.  An earnest Christian does seek to spend his social time with the world.  Rather, from “house to house” he surrounds himself with a hedge of Christianity.  A Christian demonstrates concern for the household of faith.  He patterns his life after goodness and does those things which exude kindness.  This means when other Christians arrive, in this case a preacher and his family, they contact attentiveness and love.  Their experience leaves them not feeling like outsiders, but as family.  This experience goes beyond an initial meeting.  It embraces them in times of calm, celebration, and storm.  It is there when there are car, plumbing, or family concerns.  A preacher does not desire to be with a congregation where he will be with those that say he is family, but treat him like a stranger.  He does not want to see them treating one another as strangers either.  The Church is to be together forever, can it not show love upon the earth?

Seeking preachers do not typically take out an ad with their expectations of a congregation, but if they did, would your congregation even be considered?  Preachers examine the scriptures and see attributes of the first century Church which they long to embrace.  They want an engaged fatherly leadership which prepares a congregation to meet God.  They crave reverent, joyful assemblies who long to be like Christ.  This thrills a preacher.  Congregations engaging the world by visiting and teaching draw a preacher to them, because he has given himself to the same work.  Bodies of Christians embracing a life with other Christians rather than returning to the world following worship, call to a preacher who desires to have such Christian fellowship in his life.  A truly seeking congregation and seeking preacher want the same thing:  Faithful Christians yearning for the Word of God and Christian fellowship.  Each desires to present himself before God in the final day, pure, holy, and acceptable.  A match only fails to be made between congregation and preacher when one of them fails to be sound in scripture.  Congregations present yourselves worthy unto God so that you may present yourselves appealing to the righteous who seek you.

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Replacing the Preacher – “ Seeking a Preacher ”

The preacher shares his final words, steps down from the pulpit for the last time, and after gathering his things leaves the building for good.  Preachers come and go, often more frequently than they should.  The Church moves forward with or without a regular preacher, because the ability to worship God does not rely upon the presence of any particular man.  Yet, this does not dismiss the wisdom of having a local preacher.  A sound preacher blesses a congregation in many ways a typical member does not.  When the preacher leaves, how should the Church replace him?

In the interim, congregations who can fill the pulpit with the membership do well.  In fact, congregations should give members ample opportunity to present lessons during the tenure of a preacher.  As a word of caution, assigning topics to these men would be wise.  When assigning topics an eldership shepherds in a manner which meets the needs of a congregation.  Simultaneously, by assigning topics elderships protect against any potential faulty teaching or personal agendas.  Beyond the preaching of a membership, congregations often seek outside, temporary preachers.  In doing this, a congregation establishes a semblance of normalcy from week to week while maintaining consistent soundness.  The temporary preacher also enables the congregation to take its time in searching for a permanent preacher.  One note of concern regarding temporary preachers:  Pay them like preachers.  A great number of preachers travel to aid congregations in need.  They do so gladly and with the desire to glorify God.  However, they need to eat too.  Do not take advantage.  One brother shared a story with me of traveling hours to fill in at a congregation at a time when he was barely meeting bills.  He did not even have enough gas money to get home.  After preaching the Sunday morning class, main assembly, and evening service, he received a thank you and nothing more.  He ended up going to a pawn shop so he could sell something and get home.  While most preachers do not go through such extremes when visiting a congregation, most receive little pay.  Preparing three lessons likely took the preacher 20-40 hours.  Quite commonly for a Sunday visit preachers receive $75.  This means the preacher worked for $1.88 to $3.75 an hour before expenses.  Congregations, consider the labor all preachers endeavor to perform and remember passages such as Luke 10:7 and I Corinthians 9:6-14.

After finding an interim preacher replacement, most congregation post “seeking a preacher” advertisements with magazines, newspapers, preaching schools, Christian universities, or websites.  A short review of advertisements for preachers demonstrates a major need for instruction on what a congregation should be looking to find.  On one hand, many congregations post outright illegal requirements in their posts.  On the other hand, they show the spiritual immaturity of a congregation which may keep a sound preacher from even considering them.  “What not to do” and “what to do” needs to be discussed, but first here are some common items I found recently in “seeking a preacher” advertisements.

  • “The ideal candidate should be age 35-55”
  • “Looking for a young and enthusiastic individual”
  • “We desire to place a dynamic individual in this position”
  •  “Require a degree from an accredited university”
  • “Humorous”
  • “Good looking”
  • “Published Author”
  • “Able to maintain congregation website”
  • “Well versed in using Power Point”
  • “A minister and wife team”
  • “Youth Minister”
  • “Family Life Minister to perpetuate unity of spirit and joyful fellowship, with a focus on young adults and youth”
  •  “A Godly family man that has or plans to have children”

Perhaps the reader does not see any problem with these requirements.  From the vast number of advertisements posting such items, you are not alone. However, after considering the requirements, I do not know a single preacher who would qualify.  Most would not qualify having only three of the qualifications present.

When seeking a preacher do not focus on non-essential attributes.  Imagine the apostle Paul comes to your congregation.  His resume demonstrates amazing experiences in sharing the gospel.  Unfortunately, the congregation turns him away because he does not have a preacher certificate or degree from a Christian University or preaching school.  Brothers obtaining a degree or certificate may be fantastic preachers (I would vouch for a number any day).  Yet, outside of a piece of paper one sound preacher is the same as the next sound preacher.  A great number of gospel preachers never set a foot in any teaching institution beyond the Church and the family living room.  Most of the world and Christian Dispensation has only known such “non-educated” preachers.  Additionally, a word of caution:  Most institutions identified as “Christian” or “Church Schools” contain many false teachers.  Few go beyond three or four decades of their formation before the teaching they provide is unrecognizable from scripture.  Send your young man away and you may get back more than anticipated.

Family status does not qualify as an essential attribute for a preacher.  Again the apostle Paul comes to a congregation with his resume.  Again, he faces rejection by not being married or fathering children.  A wife and children bless a man, but his Biblical qualification comes from studying God’s Word.

Three strikes and Paul is out!  Paul couldn’t power point, i-pad, or web design.  What a ridiculous requirement!  Can the man save souls by preaching the Word?  Hired!  If a congregation would like to later aid a preacher in learning tech skills, fantastic.  Tech skills may be non-essential, but certainly they can edify at times.  Most preachers would likely be glad to update their tech skills.  Still, it is far better to have a non-tech preacher who can preach soundly, than a Bill Gates who would gladly invite clapping and praise teams into the worship service.

What about ads that think the preacher should be a published author?  If writing letters qualified him, Paul could do this.  He wrote a couple of those.  Why should a congregation not hire a sound preacher if he has never published something?  A congregation with such a requirement needs to examine its priorities.  Does teaching the Word come first or not?  If writing something down remains important hire a stenographer and let him publish the writing.

Congregations dramatically falter when they begin to require non-essential personal attributes.  Asking for a good looking or fit preacher aids someone’s salvation in what way?  Does one find this requirement in Hezekiah 9:14 or Opinions 3:16?  Such considerations come very close to the partiality spoke of in James 2:1-9.  What if the Fabio preacher develops wrinkles, begins to go bald, or heaven forbid gets a wart?  Do the members toss him out quick as possible so they won’t be shamed by his grotesque appearance? More Quasimoto preachers exist than not.  Should the preacher who has a scar or happens to be missing a finger, arm, or leg not even apply?  How will “fit” be defined?  Does this mean the congregation will be increasing a preacher’s salary to include a gym membership?  For that matter, perhaps a budget for plastic surgery can be put together.

“Must have good speech”, this requirement struck a first century chord with me.  Consider the following:

Act 2:6-7 – “And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilaeans?”

Luke writing of the day of Pentecost points out the reaction of the people when they heard the Spirit filled voices of the apostles sharing the gospel.  These normally were not men with “excellent speech”.  Later, Paul pointed out how he approached sharing the gospel:  “And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”  (I Corinthians 2:1-2)  Some folks absolutely abhor southern speech.  Others cannot understand a single word an Easterner speaks.  Western speech is way too fast!  Northerners speak to folksy.  On and on the complaints could go.  Friends, God’s Word from human lips saves souls, regardless of speed, fluidity, or dialect.

“Dynamics required!”  In other words, continually rouse the emotions of the membership so the building will stay full.  Energy, humor, personality – congregations often want this from their preacher.  As long as the preacher is dynamic, it’s acceptable if his lessons are mere pabulum.  Dynamics before doctrine encourages comfort rather than conviction of the soul.  Just make sure they get a good chuckle out of the lesson and feel good when they leave.  Make certain the cornerstone of the Church – the teens – go away happy.  Congregations, preachers do not spend hours a day studying and sharing the gospel, to be evaluated on how many pizza trips or game nights they spend with teenagers.  Preachers do not strive to be a teen’s buddy, but if they are worth their salt, they will put dynamics aside and tell you that you are responsible for your child’s upbringing.

When congregations seek a preacher they need to stop viewing the preacher as their employee or “do it all man”.  The difference between a regular Christian and a preacher lies within the fact that a preacher has put aside secular opportunities so he might study and share God’s Word full time.  Whether he is a missionary or a local preacher, the congregation should be grateful to have the opportunity to support his efforts.  The preacher stands accountable to God, choosing to preach locally, but trying to spread the gospel worldwide.  He attempts to fulfill as many congregational needs as possible under the direction of the local eldership, but his efforts alone cannot save a congregation.  He cannot be their official congregational visitor.  On his own, he can only visit so much having the responsibility for his own spiritual life, his family, and other teaching opportunities.   A preacher is not the only person who can visit, teach Bible basics, or do a home Bible study.  Elders guide, shepherd, and counsel a congregation.  This domain does not fall at the feet of a preacher.  The preacher is not a 9-5 office guy, replacement parent, switchboard operator, carpenter, or building cleaner.  Will he be glad to help where he can?  No doubt.  But consider the necessity of spreading the gospel from Acts 6:2 – “And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.”   Congregations, do you want to make a preachers day?  Tell him just to preach and teach while you bring him person after person who wants to know the gospel.

Congregations which view the wife and children as an extension of the preacher need to rethink their position.  I have written it before, but it bears repeating:  If you think you are hiring a husband /wife team, pay double.  Furthermore, whether a man has a wife or children has no bearing on his ability to share the gospel.  His family did not choose the vocation of preaching.   The only requirements to be placed upon the members of a preacher’s family should be those applied to all Christians.

There are a vast number of items which should not be done or even come to mind when seeking a preacher.  Now it’s time to switch focus and ask “What should be done by a congregation seeking a preacher?”

Taking out an ad to find a preacher represents a wise decision.  However, the only need to be expressed should be the following:  “Sound gospel preacher needed.”  Any other item included beyond contact information and the congregation’s location is irrelevant and beyond scripture.

When a preacher comes to share the message and see if the congregation fits him, pay him as if he is the permanent preacher.  If he appears sound, do not hire him immediately.  Instead, make an agreement to bring him out numerous times or house him locally for a couple of months so everyone can drop their happy face.  It is neither wise nor fair to a preacher or congregation to make a hurried decision.  Congregations and preachers with their families can be hurt both spiritually and financially by rash decisions.  Yet, most congregations continue to hire preachers after two to four visits.  A year later, everybody suffers, including the community.

Prepare an extensive questionnaire for preachers to fill out before they even visit.  Know what the man believes before you consider him as an option.  Myself, I send congregations a questionnaire beforehand because I have no desire to submit my family to a place that will reject my teaching later on.  Note: It is a wise move for an eldership to utilize the same questionnaire for all their class teaching members as well.

When seeking a preacher, be prepared to offer a substantial salary.  The average salary of a congregation’s members will typically not be enough to adequately support a preacher (yet it will often be accepted).  The normal preacher does not receive the benefits, bonuses, perks, health insurance, 401k, or retirement plan secular workers do.  Additionally, most congregations put upon the preacher the added expense of entertaining often.  Other expenses include building a library of commentaries and reference material, as well as traveling to lectureships and gospel meetings for further education.  Books do not come free and vehicles to not travel without expense.  To meet these expenses, preachers often take the opportunity to speak in gospel meetings. Do not frown upon or try to disallow this activity.  This may be the only way the preacher can get extra money for expenses, savings, and emergencies.  Do not bring in a preacher to be in a situation of continual financial distress.  A man who can focus freely upon the Word of God is more important than saving a few dollars.

When seeking a preacher, agree upon and set aside a severance package from the beginning.  When a congregation brings in a preacher, it is their responsibility to choose wisely.  If they do not, the preacher should not suffer for their mistake.  Consider three months salary acceptable.  This gives a preacher time to get his affairs in order and seek other employment.  Remember, a preacher is your brother in Christ above all and should not be treated poorly.  Assuming all goes well and a proper match occurs, after a set number of years (say five) present the severance amount as a bonus to the preacher for his dedicated service.

In anticipation of placing a future preacher, elders should set congregational expectations beforehand.  Make certain that the Christians have their priorities straight.  It should be clear that God expects giving to be a priority, not a second thought.  Good stewardship should characterize a Christian’s life.  Establish from the beginning what a healthy preacher’s salary costs including planned raises and benefits.  It’s ok for a preacher to live minimally, but often if members are asked to make the same sacrifice, rebellion starts.  This should not be.  Congregationally, if it is necessary to cut other expenses such as missionary funds, building funds, or outside projects to properly provide for a preacher, then this should be done.  Congregations take care of your preachers.  Do not make them the focus of lean budgeting.  Additionally, elders should make it clear to the congregation that the preacher, preaches.  He is not the counselor or jack of all trades.  If members need help in their lives, bring it to the elders. Do not burden the preacher.  Elders have been appointed by God to shepherd and congregations should not try to shift this obligation to someone else.

Congregations seeking elders can do it right.  They can choose a man who will gladly serve for a long time.  To do it right, they need to stop doing it wrong.  A preacher should be selected upon his ability to share the truth.  If he can do that, then he is the right man for the job regardless of whether or not he is good looking, has a family, or can work a power point presentation.  Congregations fulfill your duty to support men who give their lives to share the gospel.  Care for them and plan for their future and yours.

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Becoming a Preacher – “Seeking to Make a Difference”

As a boy, the opportunity existed for me to learn how to preach.  The congregation I attended held classes specifically for men and boys to develop themselves and prepare to share the Word of God with the world.  I can remember providing a short lesson at one point and more than likely I gave more, though I do not recall them.  After that time, preaching sort of left my mind.  It was not until the age of thirty-two that I sought out the opportunity to preach again.  My family and I attended a congregation in Upper Sandusky, Ohio at the time.  I requested to speak on occasional Sunday evenings.  Following my first lesson, the minister of the congregation left never to return.  Preaching immediately became a major focus of my life.  Did anything take me by surprise?  Yes.  Would I do anything different?  Yes.  Most families do not prepare their boys to preach.  Many men come to the decision to preach later in their lives.  They seek to make a difference in the lives of men.  Their own life discoveries direct them to try to save souls in darkness.  They love God and man and the opportunity to serve compels them to preach.  Unfortunately, the preacher often suffers due to insufficient knowledge, faulty expectations, and hardship.

Continual growth characterizes my understanding of both Christianity and preaching.  These cannot be separated.  When I began to preach certain foundations existed already from the years of teaching I previously received.  However, be sure, relying on the past results in insufficiency for the future.  Peter called upon the Christians to grow (2 Peter 3:18). Above all things a preaching Christian must grow.  Ephesians 6:15 speaks of shodding the feet with the gospel of peace.  All preachers need a good pair of Gospel shoes.  They need to walk through the scriptures, trample down sin, kick some backsides, and endure having their toes stepped on.  Those shoes also better be mighty tasty; at times the preacher’s foot will be in his mouth.  Putting on gospel shoes means study.  A preacher’s passion revolves around study and sharing his study.  Calls reach him 24 hours a day.  Emails pour in.  On-line debaters crouch in readiness.  Members of congregations receive the scripture from him, but the preacher must always be ready for a challenge to his presentation. Challenges come under the roof of the Church building, over the grill at a summer BBQ, in the gym, and on vacation by strangers and friends.

James 3:1 – Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.  This verse does not tell Christians to avoid teaching the word.  All Christians must be apt to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).  Even in persecution the early Christians spread the Word (Acts 8:1-4).  James cautions those who would be “masters/instructors” of the Word.  In other words, spiritual guides to other Christians – preachers.  A preacher strives to be a master of the scriptures.  When he arrives new to a congregation, members and elders pepper him with interviews and questions.  Note:  New preacher, at some point it will be shocking how invasive some questions may get.  An open book on your life describes the wide expectation of most congregations toward you.  If only congregations would determine to question the beliefs of their own class teachers as thoroughly, a great number of doctrinal fires would never occur.  Be prepared preacher.  Your decision to preach should not be based upon your needs or wants; it must take into account the souls of others.  Can you develop these souls?  Error harms souls.  If you teach it, the Bible had better show it.  Think you can juggle full time work and full time preaching and do it well?  Others will suffer if you are wrong.  A congregation needs meat, not always milk.  How much study does a preacher engage in?  Anecdotally, most preachers declare they put in 60-70 hours a week.  Scientifically, a number of studies demonstrate 50+ and 60+ hour weeks are the norm.  Understand, this does not mean that the remainder of the week can be used by the preacher for sleep, personal and family time.  The calls, emails, questions, and social expectations remain constant.  As a final note, preachers frequently find time does not exist to study personal interests on Biblical topics.  Their study time focuses on classes, sermons, lectures, etc.  A great number of preachers lament a lack of time for unstructured study.

Some men want to put in the time to share the scriptures with others, but there may not be a pulpit position in their area.  What do they do?  Friends, if preaching existed only from a pulpit in the local congregation, little preaching would be done.  Men must seek out the opportunity to share the gospel.  Many thousands of people would not object to hearing a gospel message at this moment.  Home studies do not reside as the exclusive domain of preachers, but they definitely remain viable opportunities for preachers to declare God’s message, even in a world widely rejecting the gospel.   How many prisons contain men and women willing to listen to the words of God?  With a few questions and a background check, the opportunity beckons to able preachers.  Some high schools allow preachers to speak at Christian clubs.  Universities also present opportunities in open forums or clubs for preachers to share the gospel.  My family and I currently visit a senior center to share the Word.  If a man wants to preach, he must seek the opportunity.

Preachers must not only seek the opportunity to share the scriptures, but seize it when it presents itself.  God opens doors to those seeking and willing to go through them (Matthew 7:7).  How many opportunities disclose themselves to the preacher each day, but he chooses not to seize them.  Consider the person who asks “Why are you so happy today?” That is a preaching opportunity!  Whether it is a person who sneezes, someone holding a newspaper, or an individual with a funny t-shirt, there are preaching opportunities to be seized.  A man who decides to dedicate his life to sharing the gospel must look at preaching differently than he has likely been programmed.  A preacher does not have to stand in front of a group for a 45 minute talk.  His preparation enables him to speak in any situation without notice.  The other night someone slid off the icy road into the ditch in front of my house.  It was 2 a.m.  The drivers and passengers knocked on my door for help.  Not only did they receive help, but everyone of them, including the tow truck driver talked with us about God before they left.

At times opportunities to share the gospel may not be apparent, so they must be made.  Missionaries go to places where there aren’t “preaching positions”.   Websites can also be created to share the gospel.  Consider this: a website can draw thousands of visitors a week or month to the Word of God.  Most pulpits do not accomplish that.  What about street corner preaching?  A preacher who wants to preach will always find a place to do so.   This goes for the beginning preacher and the seasoned preacher.

Many individuals who desire to become a preacher imagine fun times of sharing the gospel with smiling faces.  The words they share create a near revival of baptisms, repentance, and activity.  Quite often the first few times they present lessons, they will see smiling faces which encourage.  Reality will set in though.  The prophets, inspired by God, met rejection (Acts 7:51-52).  The apostles, inspired by God, met rejection (Acts 5:28).  Jesus met rejection by men (Mark 14:1).  Most preachers experience moments more like the prophet Jeremiah, than Peter on the day of Pentecost.  Failure must be accepted.  When it occurs, dust yourself off and move forward, rejoicing in God His Message was shared(Acts 5:40-41).

A great number of preachers should learn to pack boxes and drive moving trucks.  Not just because this help will be expected by nearly everyone that moves in your congregation, but because preachers often find themselves heading to a new congregation.  It may be the congregation did not want to hear the words shared with them.  Quite possibly there may be power plays or personality conflicts.  At other times, the preacher may seek an opportunity which allows him to better provide for his family.  Even when all things appear to be fantastic, a congregation may decide they want to do something new.  I spoke recently to an elder whose congregation purposely shifts to a new preacher every few years.  The change supposedly spurred the congregation away from being lackadaisical.  Whatever the reason, many preachers live in fear of the day they must pack their bags and head down the road.  It wears on the preacher and his family and most often represents a hardship of preaching.

Along with the issue of moving, finances concern most preachers.  A move itself costs money.  Boxes, tape, trucks, gas, and traveling meals add up.  If the preacher owned a home, he must try to rent it out (being an absentee landlord) or sell it.  In both situations, he may be holding onto an empty house for a long time.  On the other end of his move, he faces trying to get into a new home or rent which includes the rental and storage deposits.  Some folks might object, “Lots of people have to move, what’s the big deal?”  Is it a forced, unpaid move every 2-3 years like preachers?  Some see the “parsonage” (a home owned by the church for a minister) as the answer.  First, preachers of my acquaintance have moved in to parsonages only to see their power, phone, cable, etc. turned off when a congregation is done with them.  Second, because a preacher does not have to pay “rent”, the congregation uses this as an excuse to pay him a lesser amount.  Thus, a preacher receives lower pay and does not build any equity for his future.

Putting moving and home ownership aside many congregations often do not want to put forth the money required to adequately support a preacher.  The members would rather keep the money in their own pockets for their own personal use. In fact, again in a recently shared conversation, it was noted a congregation chose its male membership to alternate giving lessons in lieu of a preacher so they might save money.  This is a great idea for congregations working so they can adequately provide for a preacher in the future.  For the men this experience develops them as well.  However, in the long term, it is not ideal, nor does it represent the hearts of the Christians well.  Again, a preacher puts in long hours on topics so he can adequately present.  He does not grab a sermon off the internet and with 15 minutes preparation present it.  A preacher’s life revolves around study of the Word.  Digressing, many congregations believe paying a preacher the average salary of the membership acceptable.  The failure in this lies in a congregation’s expectations.  Nearly all congregations expect their preacher to entertain members at their home or be engaged in some other activity frequently.  The preacher often shoulders the responsibility for feeding and housing visiting preachers as well.  These expenses add up.  Next take into account that most people receive 401k plans, bonuses, retirement plans, and other perks where the preacher does not.  One final financial consideration is insurance.  Most preaches do not carry insurance because they cannot afford it.  A lack of insurance hurts most preachers because they have to pay the medical expenses out of pocket.  Few congregations provide insurance and they don’t realize that if a preacher wants insurance he must pay a much higher premium than others.  People who receive insurance through work benefit from the reduced premiums of corporate discounts.  Companies also typically pay around 70% of that premium.  An average preacher salary cannot afford insurance.  This hardship shocks many new preachers.

A congregation frequently maintains mistaken expectations for a preacher’s family.  If a congregation desires to hire a ministerial team, then they need to pay double the single rate.  A preacher’s wife is first chosen by him to care for his home.  No package deal for congregations exists.  She does not spend most of her time buried in study.  She struggles enough supporting her husband’s frustrations with a congregation.  She should not be expected to be the third ear of the preacher and battle issues to which she does not desire to be a part.  When her husband rejoices, she rejoices.  When her husband pains, she agonizes.  Unless she volunteers for something beyond the expectation of all members, she should not be burdened with more.  This same principle goes for the preacher’s children.  Often the level of scrutiny leveled at them reigns far above any other child in the congregation.  Preacher’s children are normal kids who have enough normal kid issues without other burdens being directed toward them.  The hardship of mistaken congregational expectation hurts the preacher and his family.  Sadly, those wanting to become preachers don’t often realize this until it is too late.

When trying to raise a boy to be a preacher, mentors are important.  For a man entering the preaching field, mentors cannot be assigned a value.  So the preacher does not worry his wife, he calls his mentors.  When a preacher is frustrated, he calls his mentors.  Contemplating a move? Mentor.  Struggling with a tough question?  Mentor.  Second thoughts about continuing to preach?  Mentor.  Disagreement with the elders, made a mistake, searching for a verse, need a book, unsure about preacher taxes, don’t read hebrew, how do I tell a woman about an immodest skirt, all this and more are directed at mentors.  Preachers talk more with other preachers than anybody.  They cannot talk to members, because members really have no clue what they are going through.  Only someone who has been there and done that can help, especially when they are removed from the situation and approaching it from a godly standpoint.  Preachers don’t forget your buddies in the trenches, because we have all been there.

A final concept someone considering preaching as a vocation must think on:  Tent making.  Paul preached the Word, but he also made tents (Acts 18:3).  Preachers, develop a secondary talent.  Yes, you should always seek, seize, and make opportunity to preach; however, this doesn’t always pay well or most likely, at all.  You can write articles, fill in at pulpits, participate in gospel meetings and lectures, and never see a dime.   The Word spreads through these activities and as such they glorify God.  However, when you family needs to eat, bills need to be paid, and gas needs to be put in the tank, you need work.  The reality strikes home for aged preachers out of work.  Who will employ an old person with 40 years preacher experience, but no secular experience?  Flipping fries isn’t going to cover the expenses at that point in life, but often, that becomes reality for the preacher.  Plan for the future, put away for the famine as did Joseph, and you will not be caught without.

Anyone contemplating becoming a preacher needs to know it is hard work.  Souls are at stake and Satan wants you to fail.  You must study and rely completely upon the Word of God – grow, develop, mature.  Opportunity exists everywhere.  Seek it!  When you see it, seize it.  If you must, make the opportunity.  Above all share the Word!  Hardships visit every man and there are unique hardships to preaching.  Preachers experience failure, struggle with finances, and must deal with the lofty expectations of others. Be prepared: Consult mentors and be a tentmaker.  Seek to make a difference!

 2 Timothy  4:1-2 – I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:  preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

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