Discipling the flock.

Ben W. wrote:

No, I dont teach how to prepare a sermon. I will critique one after it is delivered. God calls men differently, each have diverse gifts, and that should be allowed to shine through. Public speaking ability comes with time and experience. The first time I was called on, I was scared to death. It doesn;t bother me now. I do encourage the young fellows not to let it (fear of public speaking) be discouraging.

Yes. Primitive Baptists are quite generous with time in the stand (we call what most call a pulpit a stand). It isn't really our time, it belongs to the Lord, and if he has seen fit to raise up a man who ventures in our doors he may have a message to deliver through him. Course he may not, and have sent him there to hear a message by another brother, but we let the Lord be our guide on that.

We do things a bit differently than you would find in most places. Before services begin, one of the deacons polls the membership (privately) and they make the preaching arrangements of who will take what part of the service. The church's senior pastor, however, will always conclude the service. I am the junior pastor of my church, but have been preaching for 25 years. Our senior pastor has been at it for almost 50. If it is just the two of us there, he will start one meeting time and I will conclude, and the next time we reverse the order. The man is like a father to me, which is comforting since my own father has been dead for many years. That seems to me to be the best way to disciple a young minister -- act as a father toward him.

Sorry to ramble.

Jeff

 

I had the opportunity to serve with a pastor and a man who was called to preach. We did not have a problem of rotating or serving together. I feel that more men should have the opportunity to get some experience preaching / teaching. Of course it depends on the maturity level of the individual. That being said; why not ? It is not pulpit; yes, I bear the responsibility of the flock being fed and I should protect them etc... but giving others the opportunity is not a problem.