What Type of Preacher Are You?
If the Lord wills, I am to discuss gospel preaching with another gospel preacher. Our discussion concerns the question of this article. The point of our discussion is that many seek a preacher who appeases the lustful desires of the flesh, rather than using the word of God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28) to convert the sinner from the error of his/her ways (James 5:19-20). While I appreciate this study and am happy to share it with brother George Parsley, the thoughts penetrated my mind a bit deeper. What type of preacher am I?
We must admit there are all types of preachers, but the only acceptable preacher in God’s eyes preaches the truth, the whole counsel of God. (2 Timothy 4:1-8; Acts 20:27). Still, it seems souls seek the “entertainment” type speakers because they (the hearers) appreciate the compliments and frivolity that never address the adversities of life and how obedience to the gospel of Christ is the way to overcome these adversities. Faithful gospel preachers realize the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), and if we hide that power, we have hidden it from the lost. (2 Corinthians 4:3).
Neither should gospel preachers be caustic, arrogant, or “elite” in their preaching. Paul’s inspired words to Colossae tell us, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6). Bold speech has to do with confidence in the uncompromised truth of what God has spoken. That is why those who preach the gospel prove what they preach by showing book, chapter, and verse from God’s word, and never from the commentary of men. (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Like the inspired apostle, faithful gospel preachers preach Christ and not themselves (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Gospel preachers are more than “pulpit and bible thumpers.” They are servants, just like all the other members. One of the preachers who had a great deal of influence on me in entering the work of preaching told me of his working with a group of children before services one evening. He asked them, “What is a preacher?” They responded appropriately and with the expected answers, until one boy eagerly waved his hand for attention and said, “I know what a preacher is. He is a loud-mouthed church member!” Yes, his answer brought forth laughter. Perhaps the child intended sarcasm in his answer, but the preacher never knew! But one thing is sure: the preacher never forgot the child’s answer and accepted it as one of the most accurate ever offered! If preachers are more than this, they become more than they should be, and if less, they are not worth their salt! Their abilities allow them to speak publicly, with a little more courage than others. They are sometimes loud and emphatic, and at other times, soft and solemn in tone. But they always, and without apology, present the gospel of Christ in such a way as to encourage the saint to increase in faithfulness, and insist the sinner repent from his ways! (2 Timothy 4:2)
After nearly six decades of preaching (admittedly, the first few years were more “giving talks on Sunday” than actual preaching), I have determined there is no greater work than preaching. During those years, gospel preaching was not my only work, but it has always been my primary work (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 1:18). The first gospel meeting I preached, my employer, who was a Christian, not only gave me the week off from construction work but paid me as if I were working! He insisted on helping me with the expenses of driving back and forth to that effort. Later, while working in a Chevrolet garage, my employer knew I would not participate in “shop parties” as they would compromise my convictions of spiritual purity. He was most encouraging when I left his employ to work “full time” as a preacher. Since then, there have been times I have had to “make tents” as I preached so U could supply the needs of my family. But from my wife and boys, there has never been a time when they found me more interested in and more dedicated to any work than I am to preaching! That is not a “brag,” it is a fact!
Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Yes, discouragement is a part of preaching, just like it is in all the other occupations. Yes, preaching is difficult, and there are “fiery darts” from time to time that are thrown from brethren (though supplied by the wicked one - Ephesians 6: 16). And yes, the blessings are abundant. God sees to that (Hebrews 13: 5- 6). Am I the type of preacher that man wants me to be? I pray not! I want to be the type of preacher God wants me to be! And if He approves, that’s the greatest endorsement any Christian could desire!
