And now, my own answer to the question I raised several posts ago regarding the importance of preaching, the role of the preacher, etc.
First, I noticed from the comments of many that a distinction must be made between preaching as personal evangelism and preaching in the vocational sense. As for the former, I agree with those who say that all are responsible to share the love of Jesus with those around them by any ethical means available. I did not intend to discuss that aspect of preaching, but thanks to those who took my question that way for your thoughts. It shows the need for clarifying in our thinking the role of preaching within a church context.
I'll continue on by asking and answering questions like those raised by myself and by your comments.
What is preaching?
Jesus went about preaching, says the Bible. He was no alone. So did the apostles. So did the prophets. So did John the Baptist. What is it? How does it differ from other forms of teaching?
There are books on this subject, so I will not be so lengthy. In short, preaching has it's own Greek word (sounds like "karuxo") that is different from teaching. It has a teaching component, but it is more heralding or announcing or declaring.
What is the value of the pulpit?
The pulpit, in Christian tradition, represents that place where specific men, called by God to a specific office (that of Elder "who works hard a preaching and teaching, a.k.a. the pastor). The pulpit preaching carries on the teachings of the apostles. What did the apostles teach? The meaning of the Old Testament in light of the New. In other words, they took the old Testament and added what they personally knew by their knowledge of Jesus and by the Spirit. This teaching is captured by the New Testament.
This preaching of the Word is the means NOT ONLY OF BRINGING SALVATION TO THE LOST, but is also the food for the church. It is a mistake to think that the main job of the church is to bring the message of salvation to the lost. That would be like saying that the main job of the family is finding more kids to adopt. The main job of the family, rather, is to run itself with love, be a healthy family, well run, that builds up and protects all it's members. Adopting more children is only one part. Likewise, the main job of the church is to become a healthy church, building up and strengthening it's members. Evangelism grows the number of the church and is a very important job of the church. However, if upon entering the church, the new convert does not find life, and love, and health, and a glorious organism that worships God and teaches them how to obey all the Jesus commands, then all is lost!
Jesus is clear that we are to learn to follow Him. The vast majority of the preaching in the life of a Christian happens once he has already received Christ, and that is how it should be. God gave "pastors and teachers" for the building up of the saints for service. The majority of the churches preaching is not to be specifically to the lost.
Preaching is the means of feeding the flock. The flock lives not on food, but on every word that falls from the mouth of God. God has ordained preaching for this purpose. Paul exhorts Timothy, telling him to "preach the word," because there will be many who don't want to hear it IN THE CHURCH. He tells him that the word is adequate to do the job of sanctification, for reproving, training, and all the rest. He tells him that he must teach faithful men who will teach others (2 Tim 2).
Now, if I may preach for a second, let me say that I despise short sermons and I despise felt needs sermons and all the trendy stuff. Why? because the Word of God is worthy of the time it takes to preach. so many sermons I hear are not of the word anyway, but the thoughts of the pastor combined with a proof text. It is time for feeding the sheep the word.
The steady declaration of the cross of Christ and the gospel will feed the sheep and the lost. The showing of the cross of Christ within the other areas of teaching will also feed the sheep.
Who can preach?
Again, I am not talking personal evangelism here (anyone and everyone can), but of that specific ministry within the church given to those known as "elders" who "work hard at preaching and teaching." Not anyone is to do this. It is a calling. Who is called? Well, that's an important question, but it is a different post. we can't answer it all here. I'll tell you who is not called though. No one is called simply because they feel called. 2 Timothy 3, Titus 1, both speak to the qualifications of Elders specifically. no one should assume the authoritative position of a preaching Elder if they do not fit those descriptions. Must one be an ordained elder to enter a pulpit? no. but they should be invited by an ordained elder and overseen in that manner. The preaching of the Word is given to those God calls. But He says, "Let not many of you become teachers..." (James), clearly pointing to the authoritative position within the church.
Should it be central or greater than other ministries? Why or why not?
Yes, of course it should central and even greater than other ministries. If you can either sing or preach, then preach. For it is in declaring the Word of God that the man is changed. Singing has it's place, but preaching is first. When we are in heaven, there will be no need for preaching. Then we shall sing forever. Till then, as we "see through a glass dimly" we must preach. We must declare Him until He arrives
I offer most of this by way of conclusions. In other words, much work must be done to prove and support each assertion. we can discuss those issues if you want to. Let me also clarify that I am not referring to the evangelist. This person is called to the public proclamation of the gospel in a unique ministry manner. Although every Christian should evangelize, not every Christian is an evangelist. As the Ephesians text says, "God gives some . . . as Evangeleists..." not all. They, like pastors and teachers, exist for the building up of the church. They not only add to its numbers, but they are the best teachers to all of us in methods of preaching the gospel ourselves (as we all must).
