I was speaking with my preacher uncle on the phone the other day about preaching, and I made this statement:
"You know, I've been doing this for a little over two years now, not counting the "fill in" work that I did for a year or so
After saying that to him, and thinking about it and a few other things this morning, I feel that I need to supply a bit more information concerning this statement, and preaching in general, lest I come across as arrogant. Here's what I've figured out:
1) I haven't even begun to really figure it out. It has taken me to this point to realize that the closer I get to feeling like I know what I'm doing, the more likely a curve ball is to head my way. In coming to this conclusion, though, it has only strengthened my resolve to trust in God and seek His guidance in everything (Psalm 9:10). In some way, knowing that I haven't figured it all out helps in figuring out what I can know (if that makes any sense). Admitting my ignorance helps foster the humility necessary to be "lifted up" by God (see James 4:10).
2) Be prepared. When you pray for doors to open (see Colossians 4:3) you had better be ready to step into them! This comes from personal study and from keeping your eyes open.
3) You most certainly aren't going to make everyone happy. In fact, sometimes people will try to compensate for their unhappiness at home by making life difficult for you. All humans are tempted to various degrees by the need to have power over someone or something. This often comes out in the expression of opinions about what I should/should not be doing as a preacher. It never ceases to amaze me how so many others can know how to do a job besides their own so well! But Paul sought to please God, instead of men (Galatians 1:10-12). Also, always remember that you can't fix everything, either. Sometimes its up to others to fix problems.
4) As a young preacher, I may not always have the answer to a deep difficult question immediately, but I can find it. Just like any other Christian, the preacher continues to grow. Never try to "come up" with an answer because you are afraid that someone might think you are foolish if you don't give one on the spot. The correct answer in time is better than the wrong answer in haste. Besides, preaching is not about how I look (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). It's about relaying the truth of what God says. Be willing to find the answer, though, and be sure to communicate it to the asker as soon as possible.
5) The truth isn't always going to be pleasing to everyone (see 2 Timothy 4:2-4). Courage goes along with this as well. The preacher can't be afraid of conflict, but must be able to handle it properly (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
6) Take time to be holy. Sometimes things can move fast, and its easy to get caught up in this work, and that work. But time must be set aside for prayer, meditation, and reflection on what it is that I am doing. Preaching in relaying God's Word must be done from pure and honest motives. I need to consider myself and my life as well, lest I become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27).
7) Take time to grow. If the preacher isn't growing spiritually, neither will the congregation grow spiritually. If I draw from a well of knowledge that keeps running low, or even at times nears being dry, what kind of water is going to come up for everyone? Muddy, dirty water, or even sludge will be the result. I must give attention to my own growth, as well (1 Timothy 4:13).
8) Seek to be approved of God, not of men. I don't have to do every single little thing that people think a preacher is "supposed" to do. Many confuse "preacher" with "minister" or "servant". My vocation is preaching, and relaying God's Word to others. I should seek to be approved of God in that manner, and not to elevate myself in the eyes of others either by seeking to meet or even exceed their expectations. This especially goes for what I perceive their expectations to be. I'm seeking the approval of God as His worker, not the approval of everyone else (2 Timothy 2:15). Ironically, if I'm seeking to be approved of God first, the others tend to line up properly, too.
9) Be committed. I think Paul sums it up in 2 Timothy 4:5, "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
10) Be honest. Be honest with others. Be honest with your elders. Be honest with yourself. Above all, be honest toward God, because he knows when you are lying (Luke 16:15).
Of course, these are just some of the things I've learned. I've also learned that I have a long way to go. I hope that if you read this, you might offer up a prayer on my sake, and for the sake of other young preachers you might know, to continue on in the truth, and be soldiers for Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-4).
By the way, I hope that as you read this, you noticed that many of these things can apply to any person's life, not just to the preacher!
~Daniel
