An open letter to my friend, starting in the ministry

(This was promoted by the first sermon of a good friend. I thought of the advice that I want to give him {and some I have} and it made me realize, this advice could be given to any newbie into the calling of preaching/pastoring/ministering.)

I am excited for you, as you begin this journey of God’s anointing on your life. This doesn’t make you ‘better’ just that there is a different calling than others in the Body. Yes, it does have responsibilities that goes along with it. That is why this letter of advice was prompted, and why I want to give you some initial advice. This advice is the basic stuff, what you should immediately grab and place somewhere in the back (or front) of your mind.

Paul’s advice to a young minister seems appropriate

Paul instructed young Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (CSB) “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: 2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” For years (I mean decades-and yes that makes me old, too!) I read this verse before I stood to preach. I wanted to remind myself of the importance of preaching the Word. Memorize this verse, make it a charge and challenge to yourself. While you are at it, read 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul wrote these to some young men, that were new into the ministry (and possible quite young, as well-see 1 Timothy 4:12). There is a sacred responsibility to preach it-the Gospel (and the Word)-but there will also be a great desire to, 1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV) “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

God called YOU

God didn’t call you to imitate your favorite preacher, your pastor, or Charles Spurgeon (though an imitation of Spurgeon is not a bad Idea). Your unique talents, ways of looking at things, and how you will deliver a message is all very much why God called you. It isn’t to say that you can’t improve things, such as: the way you talk, your mannerisms, and/or bad habits. God knew what He was getting with you and wanted YOU to be YOU in your ministry. God doesn’t need the next Billy Graham, John Piper, or Apostle Paul (okay, if you are the next Paul-run with that!). He needs the first YOU! You’re going to speak to people that I (or Billy) can’t or won’t. Your ministry is unique, as you are, 2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT) “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” Paul wanted young Timothy to REMEMBER that gift that was in him, and I would remind you of the same.

LEARN

Paul’s advice is well to be heeded, 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Further your education, if by seminary, Bible college, or self-paced. Find ways to learn more. You should: study sermons, listen to sermons, study theology, find preaching resources, and (of course) read the Bible. Don’t just read the Bible, study it, it is un-mastered by anyone, and you won’t, but it is the source of hope, life, and salvation to a lost and dying world. Unlike other endeavors, you will never master the Word. Let it master you, though. Let it fill your mind, your heart, and into your very soul. As a ‘preacher’ you should be ready to deliver the message, because you’ve studied! Studying is not just the text before you (for a sermon), but all that you can learn as you study about God, His Word, and the practice of preaching.

STEAL

OKAY(!) that is kind of click-bait-ish, I admit. What I mean is..., Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT) “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” If you think that you are going to be the most ‘original’ preacher ever, I would say, “HA!” Don’t be afraid to use others ideas, notes, and/or sermons. Let me be very clear here, I’m not talking plagiarizing, that is stealing and one of the 10 Commandments sort of speaks on that(!). Others have struggled with texts, ideas, and messages, their ideas can help with your ideas. I think commentaries and sermons are some of the best places for sermon ideas. I’ve got collections of classic sermons (and some ‘not so’ classics!) that have helped to plant ideas in me. You can use an outline, modified to your situation, and build a sermon on the bones of others. Be sure credit is given, where appropriate. There is never a bad time to quote Spurgeon, Graham, or any great preacher (or not so great-for that matter) to help make the point you are trying to make.

More WORD than just words

This is important, and something I’ve personally struggled with. Sermons should be about the WORD, the Bible, and less about words from others (or ourselves). I am not talking a word count, that you must have more scripture than other ‘words’. No, I am talking about your sermons are built on the Word of God, and from it is where people will be changed and transformed. Make sure the sermon is about using the WORD as it was meant, Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Sermons should be about, “thus sayeth the Word of the Lord.” We can use illustrations, quotes, and/or explanations, but it is about giving those to which you are preaching to, the WORD! Paul warned, 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (ASV) “For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. 5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.”

The ‘old’ is still good enough

You will struggle with coming up with something unique, fresh, and/or new. God’s Word is as fresh and unique as it was all those years ago. It still speaks to men’s hearts, their very souls, and the only thing that can. I would say that most of your listeners will have not mastered even the tiniest portion of scripture. Somethings are just useless, and I am not saying you can’t find value in things outside of scripture, but… Titus 3:8-9 (NLT) “This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. 9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.” Paul’s advice seems so fresh and clear, as if spoken today. Trust God’s Word as your foundation, ammunition, and defense (Ephesians 6:17).

I hope you become the next…

Okay, it is not meant to put undue pressure on you, expecting you to be the next Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, or even John Chrysostom (the ‘Golden-mouthed' one-look him up!). It is not meant to be an expectation on your part, but a prayer to God(!), that He anoints you to become great for HIS KINGDOM! I’m praying God uses you in amazing and miraculous ways. I would remind you, as Paul did young Timothy, 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV) “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” God has given you a special gift but also a sacred trust. Never forget this admonition, 1 Corinthians 1:21 (CSB) “For since, in God's wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached.”

CONCLUSION

I could offer a lot more advice, and am always willing to(!). I would offer this simple few words as a starting point. You will need guidance, and yes, the Holy Spirit does that, but you also need mentors in the faith and ministry. Seek out wise counsel, find men of God to lean on, and never be afraid to ask for advice. Your ministry is built on an amazing structure, Ephesians 2:20 (NLT) “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Remember, it is not about you, or me (or anybody else in the church), it is about Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:5 (YLT) “for not ourselves do we preach, but Christ Jesus--Lord, and ourselves your servants because of Jesus;” we are Christ’s servants!

Your Brother in Christ

#ministry #christianfaith #sermons #study