Preachers
I Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-16
I. Terms
A. Evangelist (euaggelistes): a person who brings joyous news of victory from the battlefront. As a verb, it is translated as “preaching the gospel” (Romans 1:15).
B. Preacher (kerux): a herald or town-crier. A person delivering the messages and commands of the king.
C. Minister (leitourgos): a public servant. One who serves people on behalf of a government.
D. Minister (diakonos): a servant. Someone who runs errands for his master.
E. The terms are used interchangeably for the same set of duties (Colossians 1:25; II Timothy 4:5).
F. Many denominations distinguish between an evangelist, preacher, and minister. In their terms, an evangelist goes out to reach the lost souls, a preacher teaches from a pulpit, and a minister does service for the less fortunate.
1. Evangelists teach in the church - Ephesians 4:11-16
2. Preachers bring the good news to the lost - I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11
3. Ministers teach the lost - I Corinthians 3:5
G. But preachers are not necessarily pastors. Pastors are a distinct duty - Ephesians 4:11
II. Duties - II Timothy 4:5
A. To proclaim the good news - Romans 1:15-16; I Timothy 4:16; I Corinthians 1:21
B. To build up God’s people - Ephesians 4:11-13; I Timothy 4:11, 13; II Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15
C. To publicly declare God’s will - Titus 2:1; 3:8; I Corinthians 14:26
D. To insure the message is taught accurately - I Timothy 6:20-21; II Timothy 1:13-14; I Timothy 1:3-4, 18-19
E. To rebuke those in error - II Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13-14; 2:15
1. Including elders who have sinned - I Timothy 5:19-21
F. To set an example - I Timothy 4:12
G. To appoint elders - Titus 1:5
H. Training others to teach - II Timothy 2:2
III. Qualifications
A. Knowledge of God’s Word - II Timothy 2:14-15
B. No mention of appoint or ordination to the position
IV. Payment
A. Right to be paid for teaching - I Corinthians 9:3-14