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 Selecting
a preacher is a revealing experience. He meets with brethren and
discusses working with them. He is apt to get the “third
degree”. Brethren want to know when he gets up in the morning,
arid what color socks he wears. His skeletons are liable to be
pulled from the closet and examined by all —bone by bone. I am
sure that some of this is just “meddling in other people’s
business,” but it is not all bad. At least it shows the
brethren want a man of integrity. In the past, brethren have
selected men on the basis of his “try-out” sermon and looked
no further. A church needs not only a good speaker but a good
man. The truth and the kingdom has suffered reproach because
good speakers turned out to be rascals in honesty and morals.
All disciple’s conduct should be such that “the word of God
be not blasphemed.” (Tit. 2:5)
Brethren
“feel him out” on certain things. “What do you preach —
or think — about social drinking? You see, we have some
prominent brethren who are heavy contributors and they see no
harm in an occasional cocktail.” How will the prospective
preacher answer? Another brother queries, “Just before our
last preacher decided to move — for his wife’s health — he
objected to one of our deacon’s daughter being in the bathing
beauty contest. What do you think about that?” An ignoramus
could not miss that implication! “We are promoting the Cows
for Korea project. Do you think that is all — right?” etc.
etc. Quickly you find out if he is a hireling or God’s man. A
“man of God” expects to preach the same truth regardless of
conditions — in season, out of season.” (2 Tim. 4:) How a
man responds to the bait of
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a big salary in exchange for a
compromised message is surely revealing.
Most
of all, preacher selection reveals the character and conviction
of the church. You can know about the people by observing the
life and doctrine of the man they select. ”lf a man walking in
the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto
thee of wine and strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of
this people.” (Micah 2:11)
A
preacher noted for scoffing at the miracles of the Bible is
selected; what does it say of the people? When the preacher
dances with the young folks and drinks with the older folk, what
does it say about the ones who choose him? The preacher is known
to excuse adultery; what does it say of the people who support
him?
People
choose a preacher who is versed in philosophy, jokes, and
poetry. He never reads from The Book except for a “text” to
use as launching pad for some scheme or philosophy. Every sermon
such a man preaches is a commentary on the church that supports
him. The people want it that way or it would be changed. “The
prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their
means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye
do in the end thereof?” (Jer. 5: 31) The end thereof? They
will wax worse and worse. Doubtless, neither Jeremiah nor Paul
could have preached there. On the other hand, a dedicated and
faithful preacher is like an ornament of fine gold to the ones
who choose him. Joe Fitch
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