I Am a Preacher of the Gospel
When my dad was preaching in a gospel meeting and conducting a basic bible study for young children before the services began each night, he asked the youngsters, “What is a preacher?” They responded with the expected answers, “The one that talks from the stage,” “or, “The one that teaches us the Bible.” Finally, one little one answered, “He’s a loud-mouthed church member!” That description stuck and remained dad’s favorite definition of a preacher!
But a preacher of the gospel must be much more than a “loud-mouthed” church member. Paul’s letters to Timothy serve well in describing the work of an evangelist. Each chapter grants inspired instruction regarding this work. To preach, the man must be a student of God’s word, and from that study, be to quickly expose the false doctrines captivating the souls of the lesser-learned brethren. He must learn that his life is an example of the believers: thus, he must take heed to himself and to the doctrine and continue in them! While these are not the only requirements of preachers (for such responsibilities are found throughout the New Testament) what Paul writes to Timothy in these two letters shows this work is no small task and requires a resolute, determined man for its accomplishment.
Some preachers endeavor to elevate themselves above the brethren as though they are “superior” in knowledge, ability, or any other measure of a preacher’s character. Scripturally, such self-acclaim is contrary to the directives of James and Peter who, as preachers themselves, by inspiration declare the necessity of humility. Nowhere in scripture will one find that a gospel preacher is an “officer” within the Lord’s church. There are but two offices: elder and deacon (1 Timothy 3). While elders and deacons may also preach, one will also notice that only one of these offices carries authority (rule) and that one office is the eldership. (1 Timothy 3:5; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5: 1-5). Preachers cannot be as Diotrephes (3 John 9 – 11), demanding preeminence. That place (preeminence) belongs to Christ Jesus alone (Colossians 1:18) and it is He whom we preachers much preach! (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Gospel preachers have so often been forced into the kindred labor of “hired servants” for the brethren. My grandmother once told me, “Full-time preachers make for lazy brethren.” It took a few years for me to fully grasp that sentiment, but after more than fifty years in the work, I’ve sadly learned how vivid was her observation! Preachers are obligated to visit their brethren and be of assistance to their needs, but neither more nor less than any other member! Preachers are under the same commandment to “esteem others better than yourself” (Philippians 2:3) as any member of the Lord’s church. Make no mistake: preachers need to “earn their keep.” Yet, they must never take advantage of the brethren’s generosity, neither should they be considered the “hired hand” of the local work (Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9).
Preachers are known by their preaching. While some may be better “orators” than others, it is their understanding of God’s word that becomes the most critical of his abilities. Indeed, it is their conduct before all others that proclaims the truth much louder than his voice. As the poet once said, “I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.” (Edgar A. Guest)
The preacher has other obligations as well. His family has a right to his time, just as the brethren have rights to their family time. Likewise, he has the same obligations of caring for his family’s needs, including the chores around his residence, as do all the brethren. Therefore, he’ll get tired, just like the brethren. He might even get frustrated with various situations as do the brethren. But he will always place Christ first and foremost in his life: not because he’s the preacher, but because that’s what ALL Christians must do! (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 1:18).
Frankly, there seems no greater way to make a living than preaching the gospel. Yet, the fact remains that every Christian should be “preaching” via the way they live (Philippians 1:27 – 28). No, women cannot occupy the pulpit, but their conduct before others can still teach Christ and Him crucified. No, not everyone can stand before a crowd and proclaim the gospel in what we call a “sermon;” but every Christian can proclaim Christ and Him crucified by how you live, how you speak to others, and how you encourage them to study and learn God’s truth. While a preacher (as we commonly observe these men) is just a “loud-mouthed church member,” maybe every Christian could get a little “louder” about his/her conviction that Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and that every soul must obey Him to inherit heaven eternal!