What A Congregation Owes To Its Preacher
Robert Meredith
This is a topic that many preachers avoid because they believe that people will think they are “just trying to butter their bread.” Rest assured that in a few weeks this series of articles will deal with “What a preacher owes to the congregation.” This week let us study a much neglected subject, and one that hopefully will be beneficial to many.
Surveys have revealed the leading reasons preachers relocate to another work, or quit preaching altogether. Some of the leading reasons are: burn out, money, lack of leadership, feeling they are not allowed to be human, feeling that they are not appreciated, feeling as if they do not belong, becoming tired of criticism and having to take care of all the “petty things.” Many of these causes could be remedied if all (the congregation and the preacher) would sincerely study and follow the Bible’s teaching concerning the work of an evangelist. As we begin to study further this often neglected subject, let all know that this is not being written because I have some kind of “axe to grind.” It is being written because it is a Bible topic that one day could be brought up in the Judgment. I do not know
what the future holds as far as my laboring in my Lord’s kingdom. Hopefully, I will remain here for some time. Whatever happens through God’s providence, this subject applies for any preacher who may fill this pulpit or any other throughout our great brotherhood.
The first area that the congregation needs to understand is the work of an evangelist. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word...do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2, 5). Basically, the work of an evangelist is the teaching and preaching of God’s word. It is by this means that God has chosen to save the lost (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21). This is why the scriptures teach, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15)! There are many vital “occupations” in this world, but none more important in view of eternity than preaching. Sermons, Bible class lessons and bulletins take quite a bit of time to prepare. I appreciate fellow gospel preachers who labor in the Lord’s kingdom and hold down a secular job as well. Their time is limited (Ephesians 5:16). Some in the church have a misconception concerning the work of the preacher. Some believe the preacher’s time is completely at their disposal. I know of one man who used the preacher as his taxi service all the time. Other preachers have had problems with members “coming by the office” and constantly spending hours every week just talking. There are only so many hours in a week and faithful gospel preachers prefer to be prepared with Bible based lessons. If someone needs to come by the office or drop by the house, certainly they are welcome, but to occupy a large portion of time every week for no pressing reason shows a misunderstanding of the time needed to do the work of an evangelist. Too, others believe it is the preacher’s job to visit. Now, a preacher needs to visit, not because he is the preacher, but because he is a Christian. Read James 1:27; it is written to Christians in general, not just preachers, elders and deacons. Along this same line, not a few believe that the preacher is to do their visiting for them. Every Christian has the responsibility to practice pure religion for themselves; this is the point of Jesus’ parable of the “Ten Virgins” (Matthew 25:1-13). (See also Matthew 25:31-46).
Not only do members need to have a proper understanding of the work of an evangelist, but they should allow him to preach. There are some who try to “handcuff” the preacher concerning what subjects he can and can not preach. Paul commanded to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2) and to “declare all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Also, the work of an evangelist does take more than four hours a week. For many preachers, time is spent cutting the church yard’s grass, replacing the light bulbs, cleaning the baptistery and every other maintenance job there is. The apostles had this problem and they commanded, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2). Most preachers do not mind “doing their fair share,” but it is often the case that very few are willing to help in these areas.
Support is another thing which is owed to an evangelist. Why is it that many have the attitude, “he chose to be a preacher and the Lord expects him to sacrifice.” Everyone needs to make sacrifices for the kingdom’s sake, but concerning support, my Bible teaches that a laborer is worthy of his hire (1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6). Not only is financial support owed, but emotional and spiritual encouragement are as well.
The Apostle Paul often asked for the prayers of the church (Romans 15:30; Colossians 4:2-3). Paul faced many trying times in his ministry and needed the prayers of the saints. In like manner, faithful gospel preachers need the prayers of others as well.
Preachers have a wonderful opportunity in life. They not only are serving the Lord as they work in His kingdom, but they also get to work with people of like precious faith; many with whom they will get to spend eternity (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Much could and needs to be written on this subject. These are just a few of the things that a congregation owes to its preacher. May God’s grace be on His faithful servants everywhere (those filling the pulpit and those in the pews) as we labor together in His vineyard.