I am a first generation preacher. I never really planned or expected to be a preacher. I was lead that way through a series of events which I wrote about yesterday. I am thankful to be a preacher. I tend to think preachers can exaggerate in their own minds the difficulties and burdens of the profession. I know many good brothers have undergone much hardship and mistreated, but overall preaching is a great work! We need to be careful about always bemoaning its stresses and challenges, lest we harm the work of Christ and hinder others from entering this noble work.
Here are some reasons I love preaching!
- You get to study! I enjoy studying. In fact, I enjoy studying more than putting lessons together. Many times I have enjoyed the research and learning, but find it work to organize and communicate it to others. In preaching you are paid and expected to study God’s word and other relevant sources. This is a powerful blessing!
- The brethren! You get to work with the greatest people on the planet. Your brothers and sisters in Christ will love you and care for you. They want what is best for you and seek to encourage you. Your fellow Christians become close friends and family members. They love you as you love them!
- Open doors! Being a preacher, because of cultural reasons, opens lots of doors to discuss Jesus, help people’s marriage, and minister to the grieving. Preaching gains you an entrance more readily into peoples homes and hearts.
- The opportunities for your family. While many preachers have sacrificed their family because of the business of the work, preaching affords opportunities for families to work together in the service of the church. My children work and help me around the office and in visitation. My wife is one of my biggest teammates and partners in the work. We go together as a family to visit, attend lectureships and speaking engagements, serve during work nights, and offer hospitality in our home. I think it is a blessing for kids to grow up as preacher’s kids!
- The thrill of preaching! Most preachers like the public preaching aspect the most. It is why we typically got into the work. I certainly agree with this sentiment. I get excited when I have a lesson I am thrilled to present and believe will change people’s lives. Preaching is exciting.
- The opportunity to lead and cast a vision. I like looking into the future and dreaming. I enjoy casting a vision and encouraging others to come on board and help make it happen. I like planning and organizing future ministries and the direction of the church.
- The opportunity to counsel and minister. It is a blessing to be able to help folks that are going through hard times. A minister can point people to Jesus and the hope of the gospel.
- The blessing of helping people benevolently. While this is often a challenging area, certainly not fun, it is great to have the support of a congregation and in-place ministries that help others who are in need. While many may not change, or even be thankful, some do and it always makes an impact on my life.
- Being counted amongst the fraternity of preachers. Friendship amongst preachers is special. You can understand and encourage each other in your own unique ways. I am glad I count so many as friends and brothers.
- I have a great office! Ok, i was wanting this to be a list of 10, but on these hot summer days when I work out at the farm on Monday sweating buckets, I am thankful I can go to a cool office the rest of the week!
