Preacher Wanted (Or At Least Tolerated)

    A preacher took a job at a congregation that was known for firing preachers.  He didn't expect to be there for six months, so it came as a shock when after a year he was still in the pulpit.  After another year on the job he figured he must be doing something right since only one other man had made it this long.  As he approached the end his third anniversary and was about to be the longest tenured preacher this church had ever had, he went to the elders to hear what they had to say about his achievement.  The oldest elder spoke up, “Well as you know we have gone through quite a few preachers over the years, so after we let the last guy go, we took a long look at what the congregation wanted in a preacher”.  “The membership couldn't agree on anyone, and the only time they were happy was when we didn't have a preacher."  We knew we had to have a preacher and then we found you and it seems you're the closest thing we've had to not having a preacher!”

    That’s an old joke but it does seem to have a contemporary ring of truth to it. I see lot of churches that are marginalizing preaching.  Get rid of Sunday night sermons (since no one is coming anyway).  No more week long gospel meetings (no one has time for that anymore).  Keep the messages upbeat and entertaining (we want worship to be livelier and sermons bog that down).  Don't go too long (we have better thing to do than listen to a sermon).  We may not say it explicitly but for many the preaching of the word is the part of Sunday that we would leave out if we could. 

   Preaching, it seems to some, isn't that important.

    However, we see in scriptures it is.  The early church was devoted to hearing the gospel message.  They would stay till midnight to hear lessons (Acts 20:7-8). People would come in droves to hear preaching (Acts 28:23).  The church supported preaching (3^rd John 1:8) and knew it had the power to change lives (1^st Corinthians 15:1-2).  They understood the vital need that preaching played in growing and strengthening a congregation.

    Maybe things have changed because preachers have not been up to the task. I know that happens.  But I also know it becomes difficult to preach to people that are not interested in listening.  When people only want their ears tickled not their hearts convicted.  When leadership doesn't support sound preaching because it might upset some.  When preachers are seen a tolerated requirement rather than an asset (We HAVE to have a preacher rather than we NEED  good preaching). It creates a vicious cycle. With that lack of support your preaching suffers, then congregation suffers because poor preaching, so preaching is supported even less. 

    I am very blessed to work with a congregation that believes and supports preaching and preachers.  I feel for my brother preachers that struggle with congregations that don't support their efforts.  I remind them of the word Paul said in Titus 2:15  “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Don’t lose heart, preach the word.  Use the opportunities you have to spread the good news.  Your work does make a difference.  Don’t be discouraged, fully carry out the preaching of the word of God (Colossians 1:25).