Continuing with last week’s focus of looking at filling the need for future preachers, we need to prepare, talk with, and encourage young men who have the skill set for “preaching” to consider Preaching the Gospel. According to The Jenkins Institute’s website, Dale & Jeff post approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Preaching job openings per year! Not all of these postings are requests for Preachers. Many times, one Minister is transferring to work with another congregation. How- ever, many of TJI posts are for pulpit vacancies. We must not allow the pulpits to become vacant. When encouraging men of all ages to preach let us consider:
Who is a Preacher?: Romans 1:15 says So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. The Apostle Paul is preaching to the lost that the Good News of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived! The role of “Preacher” is multifaceted to say the least but like Paul, the Preacher must Preach! How else will the lost hear the Good News?
What is the work of a Preacher?: I Timothy 6:17 -19 says Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them to do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. The work of the Preacher is to preach the Bible, regardless of the socioeconomic status of the hearers.
What qualifies a Preacher to preach?: II Timothy 4:5 says But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill you ministry. One of the many qualifications is to simply endure! Challenging days are expected.
No greater job exists than that of a Preacher! Consider, how can we prepare more men to Preach?
