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 The
word "preacher" is coupled with "apostle,"
and Paul says he was thus appointed or ordained (1 Tim. 2:7; 2
Tim. 1:11). In this sense "preachers" seems hardly
suited to the scattered saints of Acts 8:4 who "went every
where preaching (evangelizing) the word." Those who have
sought to perpetuate a "clergy" (Judaistic priesthood)
system insist that they receive a divine "call" or
appointment today; but I find no scriptural indication that
apostles or preachers, in this special sense, would have
successors. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors of
the early church had a unique role — were especially equipped
for it — and continue to serve their purpose as we read of
their work.
It
seems to me a "preacher" today is simply one who
publicly proclaims the word; his "call" being no
louder than his talent, will, and opportunity. I do not object
to the designation "preacher," but believe this
describes his work. It should not be used in an
"official" sense. In the early church there were those
"sent" who were not "apostles" as was Paul,
and those who preached who were not so appointed. Their
"authority," and ours, is in such passages as Acts 8:4
and 2 Tim. 2:2. The man who aspires to a "clergy"
status among God's people is on the wrong road, and will fail
the Lord's cause. But the role of a full time, supported teacher
of the gospel deserves careful attention.
Preachers
are people. If I thought I could convince you of that I'd
risk half a column or more, but space is too limited to waste on
lost causes, so on to the next point.
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Their
job is teaching. Not administering, as in priesthood; for
blessings come from God as each saint offers spiritual
sacrifice. Not ruling, as in oversight; for God has given
qualified elders this role. Not "telling off," as
in dictator; for each of us must act in good conscience toward
God, in keeping with our understanding of His word. A preacher
is in no higher "position" than any other member of
Christ's body, there being no hierarchy among God's people
(Matt. 23: 8). He is not the only teacher in the church,
for ability and opportunity impose obligations upon each saint.
But it is rightly expected that one called "preacher"
should have exceptional talent for study, understanding, and
presentation, so that he teaches well. (Language loses its
significance if all who can drive a nail are
"carpenters," or all who teach in some way, are
"preachers.")
Teaching
involves learning. He has not taught unless he has imparted
information; and in the fuller sense, unless the hearer has so
learned as to be affected by the message. He can not force
acceptance of God's message, but because men tend to act in
their own interest, he will seek to persuade them of a spiritual
need that only Christ can satisfy. Yes, "God gives the
increase;" and yes, Satan blinds eyes and hardens hearts;
but no preacher worth his salt will be satisfied with simply
"putting it out" and going home. A gospel preacher
hungers for souls to an extraordinary degree, and that is the
basic reason why he has "let the dead bury their dead"
and has given himself fully to preaching the kingdom (Lu.
9:59-60).
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