 
THOUGHTS ABOUT PREACHING
While Christ did not establish a clergy class to rule his church, he did ordain that faithful men be trained to be teachers for his kingdom (II Tim. 2:2). Such men are charged to "preach the word" and to "do the work of an evangelist" (II Tim. 4:2,5). As we review the situation in our brotherhood regarding preachers, we are impressed with several facts.
I. Some men ought to be preachers but do not realize it. They have great potential for service but are like the unplanted acorn. They must be encouraged to give their lives to the Lord's work. The church needs parents and brethren who will take time to plant the seed of desire in the hearts of boys and men to preach the gospel. Hundreds of men now serving were first encouraged to do so by a faithful saint. We, like Barnabas, need to be exhorters of potential preachers (Acts 11:23). Congregations that fail to produce preachers are failing in their work for the Lord.
II. Some men want to preach but haven't realized the opportunities that are available. They recognize their need for training, but are discouraged by the thought of the time and money necessary to gain such. This is especially true of married men with families. Elders and preachers need to advise brethren of the availability of schools of preaching where brethren provide a solid Biblical education without charge. Such programs can be competed in two years and congregations will often help a man with financial support as he trains.
III. Some brethren are trying to preach who should not. Sadly, not every one who strives to preach the gospel is suited for the task. One occasionally sees men whose work is totally discredited by conflicts and problems within their families. Of elders, Paul asked, "If a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" (I Tim. 3:5). Surely this applies to preachers as well. Sometimes a man seeks to preach but is of such weak character that he cannot abstain from sins of the flesh and spirit that destroy his influence and hurt those he seeks to help. Such men such never have taken the sacred responsibility upon themselves. One other class must be mentioned under this heading. We see men trying to preach whose personality and background are such that they are constantly embroiled in strife and conflict of their own making. They move from church to church leaving a trail of broken, suffering congregations. To successfully preach the word, a man must love the brotherhood (I Pet. 2:17).
He must be a "wise master builder" (I Cor. 9:22). Factious personalities never make good preachers (Tit. 3:10). Such men should not attempt the work of an evangelist.
IV. Some brethren are trying to preach who would be happier and render better service in personal evangelism or educational work. I say this because not every good worker and soul-winner is a capable public speaker. Laboring under this disability, a preacher may grow discouraged and even quit. However he could do a great work for God in one of the other fields while letting another brother fill the pulpit. Paul reminds us that not every member of the body can be an eye or an ear, but each does have a useful role to fill (I Cor. 12:14-20).
V. Some men are mediocre preachers but with a little help and effort they could become outstanding evangelists. We see some brethren attempting to do the work without adequate training and knowledge. Of necessity their lessons are shallow and sometimes faulty. Because of this they commonly move often. Such brethren can either educate themselves by vigorous discipline and hard study or they could enroll in a Bible school and get the necessary training.
Elders who have such a man working with them should encourage his growth. Urge your man to invest the necessary hours in study. Not only will the preacher be blest and far more valuable to the Lord, your local congregation will reap direct benefits. No man, however gifted, can coast and be a great preachers. Our field demands hard work to produce an acceptable product.
VI. Some preachers have or are contemplating, quitting their work for some other profession. Perhaps it would be best if a few of them did so. But for the most part, these men are desperately needed. Millions of lost souls are perishing without the saving gospel (Rom. 1:16). Churches are languishing for lack of capable leadership. Such fainthearted men need our prayers and words of encouragement. Lend a hand to lighten their load. Offer a sympathetic ear to hear their problems. Let us correct the problems in our own lives and congregation that have driven them to such despair about the greatest work in the world. I once knew of a congregation that had five preachers in succession who quit preaching as a result of their experience with them. How tragic and shameful! Let us be a friend and helper of men who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and his church. May we never be their provokers and enemies. "How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!"
JHW
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