Beth-El Baptist Church

08/17/2008

Greg Tomlinson

Who should preach from the pulpit?

As a church body it is important to assess those who will be teaching the congregation in an official capacity. This is true whether he teaches from the pulpit or from a less formal setting like in a classroom.

1. What are the characteristics to look for?

The things to look for in a teacher or preacher is not the things commonly looked for such as popularity, wealthy, or physical characteristics. It should be someone who knows and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the most important characteristic to look for. The messenger from the pulpit is to be a man if men are possibly present to be taught. The man is to be one who is gifted by God for the ministry of the gospel. The characteristics to look for are very much the characteristics of the pastor or elder of the church.

Some sort of training should be considered to be crucial. Even Paul was trained, first in the Old Testament by Gamaliel, then by Jesus. The Eleven Apostles were trained by Jesus. Paul taught Timothy. There may not have been what we call seminary but training was definitely a part of what was expected.

2. What should he preach about?

The preacher has only one subject, that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Many church gatherings hear messages about the organized church and the need to follow a particular earthly leader, about the need to be nice and decent people, about how to get the best and most out of this world, about how other people have oppressed and do oppress others so there is a need to free the people and possibly pay them back for their losses. Because there is a great tendency for people to read into the scriptures something they want to hear or believe the people want to here they preach on that. The only rightful subject is Jesus Christ. The full message of Jesus Christ. This includes the reality of man's great sinfulness, God's justice in condemning the sinner, and Jesus Christ's payment of the penalty of sins.

3. How can we evaluate the legitimacy of a preacher?

The evaluation is whether or not the teacher or preacher brings forth the true Word of God. If he denies the power and work of Jesus Christ, then it is another gospel. If the focus of His teachings are on anything other then the person, the work, and the word of Jesus Christ then the teacher or preacher is not a legitimate preacher. He may bring forth good words that need to be heard but that does not make him a preacher.

Summary:

According to scripture the requirements to preach from the pulpit has to do with being recognized by others as having been called of God to teach. He is to be a man. He is to be a man of character and integrity according to the very words of God. His message is to be out of and focused on the Word of God. He is to proclaim the reality of sin, justice, righteousness as well as love and mercy. His message should always focus in on the person of Jesus Christ..