|
 If
you want a real “scrap” Just find a fellow who has
ceased to devote full time to studying, teaching privately and
in classes, and preaching — depending upon the church for his
support — and ask him why he has “quit preaching.” Wowww!!
Some
will charge you with having a “professional preacher”
concept; some will say they are preaching more now than they
ever did before; some say brethren just will not take their “straight”
preaching; and some will say the support was inadequate. Not
many will admit that they were poorly equipped for the work in
the first place, either in training or in desire; or that they
were emotionally unsuited for the job. Practically none will
admit that they “took up” preaching as a means of
livelihood, and then found they could make more money selling
insurance, etc.
Perhaps
some do have a “professional” concept, and think the
back-slapping, counseling, “pastors” the only true
preachers; but Bible students know better, and our subject
question indicates no such error. As for one’s preaching more,
while spending eight hours a day making a living — this indicates
a poor use of time while supported fully by the church.
Speech making lacks much being the full-time studying, praying,
soul-seeking work of which I write.
There
have ever been some brethren who would not “take” the kind
of preaching they needed; but the well- prepared man, whose
attitude and presentation is what it ought to be, will “move
on” to work with people who are anxious to hear the truth. If
brethren
|
|
CAN NOT support a preacher he may have
to do other work for awhile, and this is to his credit.
But when they WILL NOT adequately support him, he should work
with others who will, or he will find his life’s work crippled
by divided attention, and inadequate preparation. (See
editorial, p. 2)
To
me, preaching is a full-time, life-sized work. It demands
complete allegiance. A dedicated pianist could lack
appointments, and find it necessary to do other work. But he
would never take a job that would injure or stiffen his fingers.
Nor will a dedicated preacher allow “side-line” activities
to detract from his continual preparation and readiness, nor
block his opportunities, to preach the word of God.
A
man who really wants to preach will grasp every training
opportunity available. He takes formal education, not because it
qualifies per Se, but he feels it will help him do a better job.
Voice training, singing schools, debate classes, word studies,
Greek, rapid reading courses — anything to improve. And first,
last, always — Bible study. Not just sermon preparation, but
searching, objective Bible study that builds background for
years to come. The man who has this kind of interest in
preaching is not going to quit.
Are
there false brethren? Certainly! Poor support? Sometimes; and
more frequent if you eat Canadian bacon. Problems? Always! Hard
work? for all who really want to succeed. But say, fellow, WHY
DID YOU START PREACHING??
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
