MINISTERS CLASS STARTS - (EVERY 1st & 3rd) THURS. APRIL 10 @ 8PM (MST)
MAIN TOPIC: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Ministers and Elders
LESSON: Habit #3 Effective Preachers Persevere
Click for Lesson Material: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Ministers and Elders | BibleTalk.tv
Habit #3
Effective Preachers Persevere
When I say persevere, I mean that preachers who succeed in ministry are those who are able to "keep on keeping on" they "last" they "hang in there" they have a persevering spirit.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to persevere in three areas:
A. Persevere in Doctrine
Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
- II Timothy 1:13-14
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
- II Timothy 2:1-2
Persevering in doctrine or teaching means to continue diligently teaching God's Word even when it is inconvenient, or when people will not listen or obey. It also means to persevere when there is opposition from those in and out of the church. Finally, perseverance requires one to confront those who are in error and train others in the proper teaching of the Word.
The preachers' job is to minister the Word in every circumstance and successful, effective preachers make sure they do not get away from that primary task in their many sided job.
B. Persevere in Ministry
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
- II Timothy 2:3-13
In other words there are many distractions and temptations in the world and ministers need to be careful not to become trapped in these. Some ministries are ruined by worry or sinfulness because the preacher becomes more involved with something other than ministry and this thing leads him to ruin. Successful, effective preachers keep their eye on the prize and their hands on the wheel of ministry without detours. I have been offered partnerships in many ventures but always refused because it would be a distraction. I don't want to be concerned about anything other than my family and my ministry.
C. Persevere in Love of the Church
There are many more comments by Paul to Timothy in both his letters about being a good preacher. Suffice to say that the most effective preachers I have met and seen are those who love the Lord's church. No matter how they are treated; whether they have preached in big or small churches; in the Bible-belt or in the mission field; they continue to love the Lord's church and sacrifice themselves for it.
No matter how much education you have or how skilled a speaker you are, if you don't love the church you cannot be effective as a minister. People can sense this and will respond to you accordingly.
Summary I
There are many who wear the name minister/preacher. Colleges and preacher training schools are producing a new crop every year. But effective preachers achieve success because they have cultivated 3 important habits:
- They continually purify themselves through prayer and reading the cleansing Word of God.
- They continually preach the gospel with enthusiasm and avoid debates over issues, personalities.
- They continually persevere in teaching the Word to others, service to others and promoting the church of Christ to the world.
This is what they are about, this is what is central about them. If the only thing that you remember about the preacher is his hobby or his passion for football, something is wrong! Of course there are many other factors that contribute to successful ministry. Things like people skills and getting in touch with the culture of the people you are preaching to; however, without the habits I have just spoken of, a man will not become effective in ministry no matter how many friends he has in the church or how well he fits in to the local scene.
Q&A
1. What does Persevere in Ministry mean to you?
2. Why does Persevere in Doctrine mean to you?
3. What does Persevere in Love of the Church mean to you?
4. Why do Effective Preachers Persevere?
LOGIN INFO
CALL: (720) 843.2575 / ACCESS CODE: 393 52 64 (Teleconference)
Archived Topics Below
Topics:
* Expository Preaching and Teaching 101
* Sermon Prep 101
* How To Use Commentaries Properly 101
* Overcoming Demonic Attacks During Preparation and Preaching 101
* How To Offer Christ to Others
* How to Address Pride Within, Even When You Don't See It
*******************************************************************
