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As
Christians we never reach the point where we are completely
satisfied with the accomplishments of the past. However, when
the whole congregation is working together as it should, we
can feel that we are making much progress. Many times a
congregation realizes that it is not accomplishing nearly so
much as it is capable of doing. Eight times out of ten the
preacher is blamed for the lack of progress. (And sometimes it
is his fault). Elders and members often think that the best
thing to do in such a case is to "fire" the
preacher. I will agree with them that such should be done.
"How should it be done?" It is the purpose of this
article to point out how to "fire" your preacher.
But when I use the term "fire," I do not mean
"to get rid of." Many times the need is to
"fire" the preacher INSTEAD of getting rid of him.
"Fire" him with new zeal and determination to do
more for the cause of Christ. Engender within him the desire
to work harder and more profitably in the saving of souls. How
can this be done?
The first thing I suggest is this: "Sit in the preacher's
place." Look at the work from the preacher's point of
view. Try to realize the great and solemn charge that is given
him. "Preach the word" (2
Tim. 4:2). Remember that if he should fail to warn the
wicked of his way, his blood would be required, Ezek.
3:18. Or should he fail to warn a righteous man who
turns to iniquity, it would also be required, Ezek.
3:20. By understanding these principles, you can see
why it is necessary that a preacher teach on certain things.
Too many times all of us (preachers included) look at things
only from our own point of view. Each of us needs to sit in
the other fellow's place and see things as he sees them. In
the words of Ezekiel, "I sat where they sat." By
applying this principle in the work of the church, we can
understand and appreciate one anther's place and work in life.
So, look at the Lord's work from the preacher's viewpoint. It
will help you to "fire" him.
When a preacher teaches something that is false or when he is
failing to preach the whole counsel of God, he certainly
should be corrected by the church. Firm discipline should be
applied. On the other hand, when he is preaching the gospel,
the church should stand squarely behind him, giving him all
the help and encouragement possible. This is sure to help and
"fire" him with more zeal and determination. You can
show that you are backing him by bringing your friends and
neighbors to hear the gospel proclaimed. The church member who
never brings others to hear the gospel preached is hindering
the cause. However, this person is not hindering the cause so
much as the one who apologizes to the visitors for the truth's
being preached. When a preacher tells his audience what the
Bible teaches, you should never be guilty of saying, "I
don't think he should have preached that." Remember,
anything other than the truth is error; the person who does
not obey the truth is lost. So, "fire" your preacher
by standing firmly behind him.
Another sure way to "fire" your preacher is to do
personal work teaching yourselves. To see members of the
church doing personal work is one of the most encouraging
things there is to the preacher. Also, why not invite the
preacher into your home to talk with your friends about the
Bible? You can "fire" the preacher immensely by
introducing him to people who are capable of being taught the
gospel. We often hear it said that comparatively few will hear
the gospel today. The preacher works hard preparing lessons to
present, yet but few attend. Many times this is the fault of
the congregation instead of the preacher. Yes, you can
fire" him by doing personal work.
One of the most discouraging sights to any gospel preacher is
to see members of the church indifferent in regard to
spiritual things. These brethren are not interested in the
church's growth. They care so little for the services that
they seldom attend. They become worldly minded and sinful.
Elders and faithful members can often do more to wake up and
restore such members than the preacher can do. You can help
"fire" your preacher by waking up the church.
The Scriptures teach plainly in regard to the preacher's right
to material support. "What soldier ever serves at his own
charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit
thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of
the flock?" (1 Cor. 9:7).
"Even so did the Lord ordain that they that
proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel" (1
Cor. 9:14). As suggested at the beginning of the
article, you need to sit in the preacher's place. By doing so
you will see what his financial needs are. Then, make sure
that he has them. Brethren, it will "fire" the
preacher when you pay him. After all, the important thing is
cooperation between the church and preacher. Preachers, do
your part by preaching the word. Brethren, cooperate with the
preacher in every way possible. Pray for him. Instead of
"getting rid of" your preacher, why not
"fire" him?
Forest D. Moyer
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