The Work of Preaching
by Doy Moyer
Over time, a typical preacher will have preached hundreds of times (thousands once you figure in decades). He will have taught even more classes, again into the thousands. Don’t judge a preacher or teacher by one or two sermons or lessons. There is no way to cover the full ground of a passage or topic in a short period of time or a single lesson. We want the whole counsel of God taught (Acts 20:27), but please don’t try to do that in one lesson!
If you wonder what a teacher believes or would teach about something, ask. Preachers and teachers are (or at least ought to be) willing to talk, clarify, and explain. Most are quite happy to have these discussions. Don’t ask in order to trap (e.g., Matthew 22), but for truth and edification.
Every preacher and teacher will have misspoken or said things only to realize they weren’t right later. When we present multiplied hours of materials, there will be mistakes. Be gracious. If they say something that is in error, approach them about it and have a discussion. You might win a friend. Recall what Aquila and Priscilla did with Apollos in Acts 18.
Preachers and teachers are human, flawed like everyone else, and trying to do what they can to strengthen others and win souls. They do it imperfectly. We don’t always realize how we come across. Perhaps we don’t perceive what is most needed at a given time. However, the work is still needed, and those who put themselves out there to do the work can use a bit of moral support and encouragement. They get discouraged, frustrated, and sometimes impatient and angry with themselves. It is emotionally exhausting, and we sometimes wonder if we are doing any good at all.
Yet, it is still the greatest work in which to be engaged. This is true whether one is supported full-time to do it or if one can do it while working other jobs. May God bless His servants who preach, teach, and encourage all levels and all people, from children to teens to young adults and the aged. This includes women, men, mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends — name it. Hold up each other’s hands and press on.
