Why don’t young men want to preach any more?
In the last post, we explored one reason–they lack the models of ministry that give preaching respectability.
But that’s only a single cause. Over three decades ago I stepped into full time “church work” (as it was called then). Since that time, I have witnessed a weekly carnage. Preachers, many with years of tenure and full of talent, walked away from pulpits. They had enough.
It’s tough to preach. Everyone is a critic who knows how to do it better (even though they never tried). The sermon is too obscure, too simple, too long, too short, not enough scripture, not enough application, etc., etc., etc. Every preacher can visualize the face of a well-meaning assassin.
Beyond public criticism is the whispering campaign done by members. The menu for many a Sunday dinner is fried preacher. Children grow up hearing how “dumb” the preacher is. Today, preachers get skewered on the barbecue pit of blog posts and Facebook mentions. For many, the merciless stabs keep coming until its time to turn out the light and leave the pulpit.
While some church members can plead guilty to spiritual murder, the preacher must bear some of the responsibility. They either just “took it” or finally exploded and lost their credibility.
If you preach, you need to learn a little spiritual karate. See the blows coming and deflect them.
Three simple strategies blocks the attacker in full-stride
Define your work. Few preachers have well-written job descriptions. I suggest a memo to the elders or leaders stating your understanding of your work and priorities. Ask them to write back to correct (with the caveat that you assume they are correct unless specifically corrected). This keeps you from being a puppet with dozens vying to pull the string next.
Record your work. Keep a daily log. Every hour write down every hour what you do. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but enough to provide a casual reader of what your doing. For instance, don’t write down “studying for sermon.” Instead make an entry that says, “reading commentaries for sermons” or “writing first outline of sermon.” This puts teeth in the entry. Keep your log open on your desk so anyone can see it. (After all, you have nothing to hide.)
Report your work. From you daily log, write a monthly report and send it to your elders or leaders. (Regardless of whether they want it or not, send it. If necessary, tell them it is for your benefit.) From a dozen monthly reports, write an annual review. The experience will keep you on track in ways nothing else can.
This process does one thing. It provides ammunition for people who come at you with “he just doesn’t do his job” (or some variant of the attack). Cooly, you can say, “Perhaps, let’s look at it.” You open your log, take out your reports and start tediously going through them. Your attitude is not ugly. You only want to pursue the truth. (If the charge is true, be prepared to admit it.)
The tragedy of many churches is good men lost to the work simply because they never developed skills that would allow them to last. Don’t become a victim. Learn to last.
(For a copy of these resources, refer to the page on Becoming a Leader that Lasts on our website.)
Watch the graduation ceremonies at any Christian university. The parade of students includes future doctors, nurses, teachers, missionaries, and youth ministers.
