Q and A For Preachers

SO PREACHER, HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
adapted from Oran W. Rhodes, Editor "Sound Words."

[My response to a paper received in the mail 1-29-05 R.D.Ice The answers are mine. In 1972 I was 43 and had been preaching since 1950.]

He writes: While rummaging through my files recently, I came across the notes which I had used for a preacher's luncheon at Stephenville, Texas, on November 27, 1972. At the time I was thirty years old and had been in full time local work for about three years. Of the fifteen or so preachers present only one or two had less experience, while most had five to ten times as long in local work. However, I also remember clearly the disappointment of that day in the kind of answers received from those of considerable experience. For the kind of response I honestly wanted in order to better serve and grow, I had to turn elsewhere. So, preacher, in 2005, how would you answer the following ten questions?


1. Is there any question of ethics involved in using someone else's sermon outlines? If so, where does one draw the line? What are the advantages or aid of such outlines?

A. "The cow grazes in many pastures, but the milk she gives is her own." Some "Meeting preachers" used to publish outlines of their sermons. These can serve as "sermon starters" and help to organize thoughts and abilities. As ability grows, they can still serve as a skeleton which is to be filled in. Outlines, however, are not a substitute for personal study. It is vital to be a student of the Word.


2. In Biblical perspective, what part does the preacher play as a counselor? What qualifications or experience is necessary for one to do the work of counselor? How much a part of the preacher's work is to be spent as a counselor, per se?

A. Compare 1 Timothy 5:19-22. Since the preacher is not a lawyer, he should speak with great care. Giving practical advice may be helpful, but serious personal difficulties should be put in the hands of trained professionals. This is especially true when dealing with members of the congregation where the preacher lives. Time is on an "as needed" basis. Avoid being a "meddler." Avoid jumping to conclusions and being judgmental.


3. What role should the preacher play in the business meetings of the congregation?

A. The preacher is also a member, and a catalyst. He should give his support as an adviser when necessary. He should be present at business meetings and also elder's meetings. He is the "de facto" one to whom the congregation turns for help and information. And he helps coordinate the work.

4. How much responsibility does the local preacher have for keeping the congregation informed as to what the current problems in the brotherhood are?

A. This requires great wisdom. On the "where there's smoke there's fire" principle, it is possible to stir up trouble where there was none before. Also, when the major focus is on "issues," Christ tends to get shoved aside (such as Rev. 2:1-7). Yet of course forewarned is forearmed.


5. What should a preacher do when he realizes he is working in a nearly impossible situation, whether it be an unqualified leadership, or other scriptural error?

A. Pray! A "moving van" may be the right answer. But sometimes the Lord may want the preacher to continue on just where he is. Always continue "preaching Christ" and be sure to leave in such a way that you could return if you wanted to.


6. If the trends and events taking place are not true to the Word, what should concerned preachers do? Do you?

A. First ask the question: What did the Bible actually say on this subject? Am I following the Bible, or only someone's opinion. I always try to speak the truth in love, and to be confidently positive in what I do and say. I do find myself shaking my head when I see brothers "biting and devouring" one another.


7. How does a preacher keep from being known as a "boat-rocker"?

A. What is your motivation? Are you indeed being a "boat-rocker"? What are the benefits and consequences? What will be the consequences of "rocking the boat"? Will it help create love and dedication among the Lord's people? But Jesus did "yell" at the Pharisees!


8. What value in terms of the preacher's overall task does the funeral sermon and wedding ceremony have?

A. We are not the "sheriff" nor the "judge." A funeral sermon is both a time to comfort the bereaved, and a time to point to the central gospel message of Jesus Christ and eternal life. It is right to honor the dead and to remember the high points of life. I always make mention of the plan of salvation and encourage a loving response to God.

At weddings I always emphasize that "marriage takes three" - including Christ as the third yet most important Person. I seldom marry people with whom I have not already had contact. Both weddings and funerals are an essential part of reaching out to the community with the gospel of Christ - building lines of communication.


9. Does the present attitude existing within the church give itself over to the sentiment of a clergy-laity division? (Think about how many things people [and some preachers] feel only a preacher should do.) What can be done if you answer in the affirmative?

A. Is there an elder-laity division? We are all one in Christ Jesus. But we each have responsibilities and work to do. The preacher cannot avoid being a quasi- elder (virtual elder) in the minds of the people. Some ("mutual edification") envision a congregation where all are equal and no one is "in charge." But this is impossible, since someone will always be "in charge." There are a few things that only preachers who are legally qualified may do (weddings), and not everyone would want to do a funeral.


10. How much time should a preacher spend studying in a normal week?

A. Time cannot be divided out equally. Having said that, some have suggested forty hours. But there are things to do, lessons to prepare, people to visit, letters to write, as well as family time. It would do little good to "save the world" and lose our family. Most preachers find they follow the "squeaking wheel gets the grease" pattern of dealing with the most pressing things first, and trying to squeeze the rest in later.


* Rhodes writes: How much has changed in the last thirty-two years when it comes to the preacher and his work, other than there being today even more questions that need answers?

A. The church has always faced questions and problems. This led the inspired writers to record answers and just how they dealt with things. Some said Jesus "only appeared to be flesh & blood." John wrote 1 John 4:1-4. Some said there would be no resurrection and the dead would just stay dead. Paul wrote 1 Cor. 15:12-26. Some said the world would just go on and on, and that Jesus would never Come Again. Peter wrote 2 Peter 3:1-18. Some created an "issue" over food and days. Paul wrote Romans 14. It is not sin to be a vegetarian, nor a sin to eat the meats that Christ has purged, Mark 7:19. Paul himself could observe days at times, because he knew they were not part of his salvation. Yet Paul condemned those who tried to make days and the law into saving items. Some were harsh and unforgiving. Paul wrote 1 Cor. 13. And Paul wrote: "Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2Thessalonians 3:15). Some taught that there could be no further forgiveness of sins once you had been baptized. This caused some to say they had no sin and were perfectly sinless. John wrote 1 John 1:1-10. Some claimed it was impossible to be too strict. Note Jesus in Matt. 23. Note also that the Holy Spirit is the author of the written word. Jesus is the Bridegroom and the church is His Bride.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?" Romans 10:15