Several people have come to me and said, "If you were a full time pastor you couldn't preach like that every week."
My first reaction or response has always been, "Why? And if not like that then how would I?"
Every response has been pretty much the same... When you are a pastor/preacher/minister, there are so many other things that you need to do that you wouldn't have the time and or energy to do it like that. THAT IS SCARY. This post is long but well worth your time to read as it sheds light concerning that perspective.
They might be correct. I have a whopping 2 sermons under my belt and have never held the title or position of pastor. Therefore my thoughts carry little weight with most people and that has caused my reluctance to post on this subject. BUT, I do have my own thoughts and perspective on this subject and I feel the need to share so take my words and thoughts as you may.
I agree that there are many responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of the lead pastor. Many of which that I am unaware. However, I can think of no greater responsibility than spending extended time in God's word and prayer. I can't imagine pastoring or preaching in my own power. The power is in God and in his written Word.
It is my understanding that the first responsibility of the pastor is to care for the flock. To feed His sheep. If the pastor is not spending significant time in God's Word and in intimate fellowship with God he will rely on his own power, words, and ideas (junk food) and God's flock becomes malnourished, sickly, and weak. A flock that is malnourished, sickly, and weak is vulnerable to enemy attacks and is also unable to reproduce. If the flock isn't reproducing it will ultimately die and become extinct. Therefore neglecting time in the "Word" and in prayer is neglecting the "call" to pastoral ministry.
The first heart God's Word must reach is the heart of the preacher. There will be no benefit to the flock if the preacher is not first impacted by the scripture he is preparing to preach. This can only happen if the preacher is in the "Word" and in prayer!
The following quote by John Owen says it so well:
"A man only preaches a sermon well to others if he has first preached it to himself. If he does not thrive on the 'food' he prepares, he will not be skilled at making it appetizing for others. If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us."
The demands are high and the responsibilities many on our pastors. However, none are more important than remaining focused on the source of the "call" and the purpose of the "call" and feeding on the power of the "Caller". From my perspective there is just no other way.
3 comments:
You've never been a lead pastor before, but you've had a full time job in another field and been asked to preach. Do you think you have more time to prepare for preaching than someone who has time allotted in their pay week to get ready? You probably have less time. I believe there are times when a lead pastor has less time, because of extenuating circumstances, but if they have no time every week, either they aren't prioritizing, or their staff isn't allowing them to.
By the way, I haven't had the chance to watch your sermons yet. NH is pretty behind in uploading those. I guess when I get the chance to come back, I'm going to have to loot the bookstore.
"I believe there are times when a lead pastor has less time, because of extenuating circumstances, but if they have no time every week, either they aren't prioritizing, or their staff isn't allowing them to".
I like your perspective there Jeff. As far as time to prepare, I did have several weeks advance notice. A pastor only has 6 days. I didn't count my hours but I'm guessing I spent close to 20 hours preparing. But it's only my second time doing it so I would think I could become more efficient with my time. New Hope is moving to nhloud.com and my second message can be found under nh media then click on current series. FYI Leslie will arrest you if you loot the bookstore.
Kenny, I thank God for the calling in your life. He has given you a gift and has filled you with His Holy Spirit. It is so visible when you are preaching. You have such passion for the lost, the hungry, and the unbelievers. You get the flock thinking with the visuals and most of all preaching the Word. You are real. I pray that God continues to open those doors in your life. He has a great calling for you. I just know you will be truly blessed because you have blessed so many already with the Word of God. Thank you so much.
Susan V.
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