Download Why are there churches and preachers?

Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

In the denominational world the preacher is
viewed as another “class” of Christian.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.
In the denominational world the preacher is
viewed as another “class” of Christian.
 He is not just “another member” but rather
has special duties and an exalted position.

Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.
In the denominational world the preacher is
viewed as another “class” of Christian.
 He is not just “another member” but rather
has special duties.
 Some have made a “clergy-laity” distinction
with special titles and clothing being given
this “higher office.” (Mt 23:5-11)

Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

Matthew 23:5-11 (NKJV) - But all their
works they do to be seen by men. They
make their phylacteries broad and enlarge
the borders of their garments. 6 They love
the best places at feasts, the best seats in the
synagogues, 7 greetings in the
marketplaces, and to be called by men,
‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One
is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all
brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your
father; for One is your Father, He who is in
heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers;
for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But
he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

Many Christians have done the same thing
without knowing it.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

They have “hired” a man to help the church
grow. (Jn 10:11-14)
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

John 10:11-14 (NKJV) - “I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life
for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is
not the shepherd, one who does not own the
sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the
sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the
sheep and scatters them.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

13 The hireling flees because he is a
hireling and does not care about the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My
sheep, and am known by My own.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

The preacher often lives in a world and does
a work completely foreign to the members.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.
The preacher often lives in a world and does
a work completely foreign to the members.
 The preacher is often held accountable to
doing the work of an elder, rather than the
work of an evangelist.

Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

When a local church has little or no
leadership then this relationship is often
filled with problems.
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.
When a local church has little or no
leadership then this relationship is often
filled with problems.
 How many of you would take a “job”
overseen by men who have no clue as to
what your work is?

Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

How many of you would want your
finances determined by such an
arrangement? How easy is it to misrepresent
and stir up others over money?
Much of what is expected of a “preacher” has
come from human tradition.

Let us go back to the Bible and learn from
the Lord about these things!
Why are there churches and
preachers?

What is an evangelist for? (Acts 21:8)
Why are there churches and
preachers?

Acts 21:8 (NKJV) - On the next day we
who were Paul’s companions departed and
came to Caesarea, and entered the house of
Philip the evangelist, who was one of the
seven, and stayed with him.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

“The term evangelist is derived from the
Greek word euaggelion, meaning “gospel”
or “good news.” The verbal forms of
euaggelizesthai, meaning “to bring” or “to
announce good news” occur some fifty-five
times (Acts 8:4, 25, 35; 11:20) and are
normally translated with the appropriate
form of the word “preach.””
Why are there churches and
preachers?

The evangelist is to preach the word! This is
his great work.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

He will be judged by God on how faithful
he has been to the word and not on how
pleasing he has been to men.
(Gal 1:10; 4:16)
Why are there churches and
preachers?

Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) 10For do I now
persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to
please men? For if I still pleased men, I
would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

Galatians 4:16 (NKJV) 16Have I therefore
become your enemy because I tell you the
truth?
Why are there churches and
preachers?

He caries a great burden to do his job well
for the sake of his hearers.
Why are there churches and
preachers?
He caries a great burden to do his job well
for the sake of his hearers.
 What fruit will be produced? (2 Tim 2:1415; 1 Cor 3:9-15)

Why are there churches and
preachers?

2 Timothy 2:14-15 (NKJV) - Remind
them of these things, charging them before
the Lord not to strive about words to no
profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be
diligent to present yourself approved to
God, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (NKJV) - For we are
God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field,
you are God’s building. 10 According to the
grace of God which was given to me, as a
wise master builder I have laid the
foundation, and another builds on it. But let
each one take heed how he builds on it.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay
than that which is laid, which is Jesus
Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this
foundation with gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s
work will become clear; for the Day will
declare it, because it will be revealed by
fire; and the fire will test each one’s work,
of what sort it is.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it
endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If
anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss;
but he himself will be saved, yet so as
through fire.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

The reward of the evangelist is to see the
beautiful fruits of God’s word in the lives of
others. (Phil 2:14-16; 3 Jn 2-4)
Why are there churches and
preachers?

Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV) - Do all things
without complaining and disputing, 15 that you
may become blameless and harmless, children
of God without fault in the midst of a crooked
and perverse generation, among whom you
shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the
word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of
Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in
vain.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

3 John 1:2-4 (NKJV) - Beloved, I pray
that you may prosper in all things and be in
health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I
rejoiced greatly when brethren came and
testified of the truth that is in you, just as
you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater
joy than to hear that my children walk in
truth.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

The evangelist is not a “pastor.”
Why are there churches and
preachers?

God has given instructions for pastors.
Their work is different!
Why are there churches and
preachers?
God has given instructions for pastors.
Their work is different!
 Most churches make the evangelist do the
work of pastors by neglect!

Why are there churches and
preachers?
God has given instructions for pastors.
Their work is different!
 Most churches make the evangelist do the
work of pastors by neglect!
 What is a church for? (Eph 4:11-16)

Why are there churches and
preachers?

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV) - And He Himself
gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12
for the equipping of the saints for the work of
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and
of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a
perfect man, to the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ;
Why are there churches and
preachers?

14 that we should no longer be children,
tossed to and fro and carried about with
every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful
plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love,
may grow up in all things into Him who is
the head—Christ—
Why are there churches and
preachers?

16 from whom the whole body, joined and
knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which
every part does its share, causes growth of
the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Why are there churches and
preachers?

A local church is equipped by the Lord to
build up the saints!
Why are there churches and
preachers?
A local church is equipped by the Lord to
build up the saints!
 A local church will be involved with “every
member” doing their part.

Why are there churches and
preachers?

Many Christians think they are “hiring” a
preacher to do their work!
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

They can expect no more than the Lord
does. (1 Cor 4:1-5)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NKJV) - Let a man
so consider us, as servants of Christ and
stewards of the mysteries of God. 2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one
be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very
small thing that I should be judged by you
or by a human court. In fact, I do not even
judge myself.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet
I am not justified by this; but He who
judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge
nothing before the time, until the Lord
comes, who will both bring to light the
hidden things of darkness and reveal the
counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s
praise will come from God.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

What do you mean when you “hire” a
preacher?
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

If you mean you are supporting a man to be
faithful to the work of the Lord then fine.
But if you mean you are hiring a man to do
your work or submit to human rules then
you are wrong! (Ex. As a “youth minister”
or special visitation.)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

Every Christian has responsibilities to the
oversight of the church’s elders, including
the preacher. This oversight, however, is
limited! (Heb 13:17)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) - Obey those who
rule over you, and be submissive, for they
watch out for your souls, as those who must
give account. Let them do so with joy and
not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

To preach the word plainly and boldly.
(1 Tim 4:16)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

1 Timothy 4:16 (NKJV) - Take heed to
yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in
them, for in doing this you will save both
yourself and those who hear you.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

Again, what is our goal? We need men to
see and understand God’s word.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist
Again, what is our goal? We need men to
see and understand God’s word.
 This will allow them to place their faith in
God and not in men. (2 Cor 4:5)

Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) - For we do not
preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,
and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’
sake.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

To live a life consistent with being a
Christian. (1 Tim 4:12, 16)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV) - Let no one
despise your youth, but be an example to
the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in
spirit, in faith, in purity.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

1 Timothy 4:16 (NKJV) - Take heed to
yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in
them, for in doing this you will save both
yourself and those who hear you.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

To have a love the Lord and thus a love the
truth! (1 Tim 6:3-5)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NKJV) - If anyone
teaches otherwise and does not consent to
wholesome words, even the words of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which
accords with godliness, 4 he is proud,
knowing nothing, but is obsessed with
disputes and arguments over words, from
which come envy, strife, reviling, evil
suspicions,
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt
minds and destitute of the truth, who
suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
From such withdraw yourself.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

A message becomes powerful when the
hearer believe there is a genuine interest
in their well-being on the part of the
preacher! (Phil 2:17-23)
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

Philippians 2:17-23 (NKJV) - Yes, and if I
am being poured out as a drink offering on
the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am
glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the
same reason you also be glad and rejoice
with me. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to
send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may
be encouraged when I know your state.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

20 For I have no one like-minded, who will
sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek
their own, not the things which are of Christ
Jesus. 22 But you know his proven
character, that as a son with his father he
served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I
hope to send him at once, as soon as I see
how it goes with me.
Expectations of a local church
of an evangelist

If a man is trying to just “make a living” or
advance a “career,” he should repent!
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

Faithfulness to the Lord. (Col 2:18-19;
Ezek 33:30-33)
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

Colossians 2:18-19 (NKJV) - Let no one
cheat you of your reward, taking delight in
false humility and worship of angels,
intruding into those things which he has not
seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from
whom all the body, nourished and knit
together by joints and ligaments, grows with
the increase that is from God.
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NKJV) - “As for you,
son of man, the children of your people are
talking about you beside the walls and in
the doors of the houses; and they speak to
one another, everyone saying to his brother,
‘Please come and hear what the word is that
comes from the LORD.’
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

31So they come to you as people do, they
sit before you as My people, and they hear
your words, but they do not do them; for
with their mouth they show much love, but
their hearts pursue their own gain. 32
Indeed you are to them as a very lovely
song of one who has a pleasant voice and
can play well on an instrument; for they
hear your words, but they do not do them.
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
33And when this comes to pass—surely it
will come—then they will know that a
prophet has been among them.”
 Those who will stand up when conflict
comes. (2 Tim 4:16-17; Gal 5:11; 6:12)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
33And when this comes to pass—surely it
will come—then they will know that a
prophet has been among them.”
 Those who will stand up when conflict
comes. (2 Tim 4:16-17; Gal 5:11; 6:12)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NKJV) - At my first
defense no one stood with me, but all
forsook me. May it not be charged against
them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and
strengthened me, so that the message might
be preached fully through me, and that all
the Gentiles might hear. Also I was
delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Galatians 5:11 (NKJV) - And I, brethren,
if I still preach circumcision, why do I still
suffer persecution? Then the offense of the
cross has ceased.
 Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) - As many as
desire to make a good showing in the flesh,
these would compel you to be circumcised,
only that they may not suffer persecution
for the cross of Christ.

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Galatians 5:11 (NKJV) - And I, brethren,
if I still preach circumcision, why do I still
suffer persecution? Then the offense of the
cross has ceased.
 Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) - As many as
desire to make a good showing in the flesh,
these would compel you to be circumcised,
only that they may not suffer persecution
for the cross of Christ.

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
In many churches the evangelist must stand
“alone.”
 Many “personality” issues are in fact
doctrinal issues that cowardly men use to
“run a preacher off.”
 Support and encouragement in his work. (2
Cor 11:8-9; Lk 10:7)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
In many churches the evangelist must stand
“alone.”
 Many “personality” issues are in fact
doctrinal issues that cowardly men use to
“run a preacher off.”
 Support and encouragement in his work. (2
Cor 11:8-9; Lk 10:7)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
In many churches the evangelist must stand
“alone.”
 Many “personality” issues are in fact
doctrinal issues that cowardly men use to
“run a preacher off.”
 Support and encouragement in his work. (2
Cor 11:8-9; Lk 10:7)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

2 Corinthians 11:8-9 (NKJV) - I robbed
other churches, taking wages from them to
minister to you. 9 And when I was present
with you, and in need, I was a burden to no
one, for what I lacked the brethren who
came from Macedonia supplied. And in
everything I kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so I will keep
myself.
Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Luke 10:7 (NKJV) - And remain in the
same house, eating and drinking such things
as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his
wages. Do not go from house to house.
 It is a very common problem for a preacher
to be involved in his work alone without
understanding or help.

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Luke 10:7 (NKJV) - And remain in the
same house, eating and drinking such things
as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his
wages. Do not go from house to house.
 It is a very common problem for a preacher
to be involved in his work alone without
understanding or help.

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
It is good for a man to be supported in this
great work to be effective! Sadly this is
difficult when proper leadership does not
exist.
 Protection from carnal attacks and gossip
from the weak. (Titus 1:10-11)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
It is good for a man to be supported in this
great work to be effective! Sadly this is
difficult when proper leadership does not
exist.
 Protection from carnal attacks and gossip
from the weak. (Titus 1:10-11)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Titus 1:10-11 (NKJV) - For there are
many insubordinate, both idle talkers and
deceivers, especially those of the
circumcision, 11whose mouths must be
stopped, who subvert whole households,
teaching things which they ought not, for
the sake of dishonest gain.
 Some view the preacher as “expendable.”
(Ex. He’s not a member.)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church
Titus 1:10-11 (NKJV) - For there are
many insubordinate, both idle talkers and
deceivers, especially those of the
circumcision, 11whose mouths must be
stopped, who subvert whole households,
teaching things which they ought not, for
the sake of dishonest gain.
 Some view the preacher as “expendable.”
(Ex. He’s not a member.)

Expectations of an Evangelist of
a local church

There are times where faithful men must
stop those who would destroy another’s
influence unfairly. When you destroy a
preacher’s influence, you have destroyed his
ability to effectively work.
Special problems of our times

Churches without elders.
Special problems of our times
Churches without elders.
 None of you would want to work under the
arrangement of the “men’s business
meeting!” While it is a proper scriptural
arrangement, it has great weaknesses.

Special problems of our times
Churches without elders.
 None of you would want to work under the
arrangement of the “men’s business
meeting!” While it is a proper scriptural
arrangement, it has great weaknesses.
 In the area of preacher’s support there is
great ignorance. Sadly a young man is
often ignored if he tries to explain his needs.
(Ex. “You reckon that’s legal?”)

Special problems of our times

Lack of personal evangelism. (2 Tim 2:2)
Special problems of our times

2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) - And the things
that you have heard from me among many
witnesses, commit these to faithful men
who will be able to teach others also.
Special problems of our times

Both the evangelist and the local church
must be involved.
Special problems of our times
Both the evangelist and the local church
must be involved.
 How can you expect the preacher to come
into a community and reach people without
the active work of every member? (Ex.
Fishing class)

Special problems of our times

A wrong attitude towards preaching.
Special problems of our times
A wrong attitude towards preaching.
 Why did Paul receive criticism in his day?
(2 Cor 10:10; 1 Cor 2:2-4)

Special problems of our times

2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - “For his
letters,” they say, “are weighty and
powerful, but his bodily presence is weak,
and his speech contemptible.”
Special problems of our times

1 Corinthians 2:2-4 (NKJV) - For I
determined not to know anything among
you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in
much trembling. 4 And my speech and my
preaching were not with persuasive words
of human wisdom, but in demonstration of
the Spirit and of power,
Special problems of our times

Today we see a shift of responsibility from
the home to the preacher! Rather than
preparing one’s heart for worship and
expect that a man teach the truth, we are
now concerned about “style and delivery.”
(Ex. Clock watchers)
Special problems of our times

Recently Bill Hall preached a series about
“problems facing the church” and one of his
greatest concerns was “professionalism in
preaching.” (Ex. Members visits 20 yrs ago)
Special problems of our times
Recently Bill Hall preached a series about
“problems facing the church” and one of his
greatest concerns was “professionalism in
preaching.” (Ex. Members visits 20 yrs ago)
 Should a preacher become the focal point of
“how the work is going?”

Special problems of our times
Recently Bill Hall preached a series about
“problems facing the church” and one of his
greatest concerns was “professionalism in
preaching.” (Ex. Members visits 20 yrs ago)
 Should a preacher become the focal point of
“how the work is going?”
 Too often we have made him the “pastor” in
a de-facto way. Think!

Special problems of our times

When brethren make a preacher the focus of
concern for things that are the duty of the
whole congregation, it is almost certain that
these same brethren have neglected their
own duty!
Special problems of our times
When brethren make a preacher the focus of
concern for things that are the duty of the
whole congregation, it is almost certain that
these same brethren have neglected their
own duty!
 What is your attitude towards the work of
preaching? (Rev 2:4-5)

Special problems of our times

Revelation 2:4-5 (NKJV) - Nevertheless I
have this against you, that you have left
your first love. 5 Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the
first works, or else I will come to you
quickly and remove your lampstand from its
place—unless you repent.