The Problem with Lectureships & Preachers
Mar 26, 2022
Every year churches of Christ across the nation and around the world conduct lectureships and gospel meetings. Before we discuss the problems for preachers with such events let’s first consider why such events even exist.
Lectureships, gospel meetings and other similar events are conducted for several purposes.
The first reason should be to evangelize, the goal of the church and its members is to reach the lost souls of this world. These events provide an opportunity for non-Christians to hear the gospel message, to hear a message based on God’s Word. No doubt, this is the first and most important reason such events are conducted.
The second reason could be to provide a way for members in the area congregations to come together and be encouraged by sound teaching and fellowship with one another. Being able to worship God and be exhorted by sound teaching while surrounded by brethren should be very encouraging to one another!
No doubt there are many other reasons to hold such events. These events allow members an opportunity to hear messages from other brethren who love the Lord and are faithful to His Word. These events also allow the local preacher an opportunity to sit and listen to a message from God’s Word and for him to be exhorted as well. The list could go on, but I think we can see there are many reasons to conduct such events.
Over the years the reasoning for some preachers to be a part of lectureships and other similar events has evolved. For some being a part of a lectureship, conducting a gospel meeting, or taking part in other similar events has become a status symbol, a badge of honor and a sign of prestige. While this may sound strange at first. Ask yourself, when was the last time you listened to a lengthy introduction for “the speaker of the hour” that included how many meetings & various events they’ve taken part in, how many gospel meetings he’s held over the years, how many years he’s been a part of a lectureship? I will admit I am disappointed that I have allowed myself at times, to be concerned about such things.
Here are a few things to consider. Does it matter how many events a preacher has taken part in? Does it make him a better preacher if he’s been involved in 20+ meetings and lectureships? Does it make him incapable of delivering sound Bible based lessons if he hasn’t conducted numerous meetings, or perhaps none?
This problem has multiple points. We often allow or even encourage individuals to be looked up to because they have been involved in many events. Many people know the speaker or recognize him because of his involvement in many events. While there is nothing wrong with conducting numerous meetings throughout one’s time preaching, the problem isn’t the amount, the problem is the attitude that surrounds it.
This problem breeds a bigger one for preachers – arrogance. I am disappointed when I hear brethren talk down to others. Preachers talking down to preachers is like a teammate picking on another teammate. How is that helpful or in our context - godly!? I may not have preached as long as some, but I have lost count how many times I have heard some preachers say, “don’t you know who I am”? We would be wise to remember the words of humble Hannah “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth” (1 Samuel 2:3a).
We must stop acting like being a part of popular events is what makes a preacher special or sound in the faith. Soundness of teaching and loyalty to God is what makes a preacher approved of before God, our standards should be the same as His (2 Tim 1:13).
How are these problems to be addressed? How do you address arrogance among both young and older preachers? Friends we must remember the preachers work as it’s outlined in the Bible. The definition of preacher involves being a herald of truth (Strong’s G2784). Preachers are to be heralds not lame speakers seeking the spotlight. Christians are to be encouragers for those seeking the truth not a member of some preacher fan club.
Friends when we choose to be a part of any event, or any work, let’s make sure we are doing it for the right reason. When we choose to do things for selfish reasons any good that comes out of it is greatly hindered. Let’s be servants of God not glory seekers of men (John 12:43).
— Russ
Mar 26, 2022
Every year churches of Christ across the nation and around the world conduct lectureships and gospel meetings. Before we discuss the problems for preachers with such events let’s first consider why such events even exist.
Lectureships, gospel meetings and other similar events are conducted for several purposes.
The first reason should be to evangelize, the goal of the church and its members is to reach the lost souls of this world. These events provide an opportunity for non-Christians to hear the gospel message, to hear a message based on God’s Word. No doubt, this is the first and most important reason such events are conducted.
The second reason could be to provide a way for members in the area congregations to come together and be encouraged by sound teaching and fellowship with one another. Being able to worship God and be exhorted by sound teaching while surrounded by brethren should be very encouraging to one another!
No doubt there are many other reasons to hold such events. These events allow members an opportunity to hear messages from other brethren who love the Lord and are faithful to His Word. These events also allow the local preacher an opportunity to sit and listen to a message from God’s Word and for him to be exhorted as well. The list could go on, but I think we can see there are many reasons to conduct such events.
Over the years the reasoning for some preachers to be a part of lectureships and other similar events has evolved. For some being a part of a lectureship, conducting a gospel meeting, or taking part in other similar events has become a status symbol, a badge of honor and a sign of prestige. While this may sound strange at first. Ask yourself, when was the last time you listened to a lengthy introduction for “the speaker of the hour” that included how many meetings & various events they’ve taken part in, how many gospel meetings he’s held over the years, how many years he’s been a part of a lectureship? I will admit I am disappointed that I have allowed myself at times, to be concerned about such things.
Here are a few things to consider. Does it matter how many events a preacher has taken part in? Does it make him a better preacher if he’s been involved in 20+ meetings and lectureships? Does it make him incapable of delivering sound Bible based lessons if he hasn’t conducted numerous meetings, or perhaps none?
This problem has multiple points. We often allow or even encourage individuals to be looked up to because they have been involved in many events. Many people know the speaker or recognize him because of his involvement in many events. While there is nothing wrong with conducting numerous meetings throughout one’s time preaching, the problem isn’t the amount, the problem is the attitude that surrounds it.
This problem breeds a bigger one for preachers – arrogance. I am disappointed when I hear brethren talk down to others. Preachers talking down to preachers is like a teammate picking on another teammate. How is that helpful or in our context - godly!? I may not have preached as long as some, but I have lost count how many times I have heard some preachers say, “don’t you know who I am”? We would be wise to remember the words of humble Hannah “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth” (1 Samuel 2:3a).
We must stop acting like being a part of popular events is what makes a preacher special or sound in the faith. Soundness of teaching and loyalty to God is what makes a preacher approved of before God, our standards should be the same as His (2 Tim 1:13).
How are these problems to be addressed? How do you address arrogance among both young and older preachers? Friends we must remember the preachers work as it’s outlined in the Bible. The definition of preacher involves being a herald of truth (Strong’s G2784). Preachers are to be heralds not lame speakers seeking the spotlight. Christians are to be encouragers for those seeking the truth not a member of some preacher fan club.
Friends when we choose to be a part of any event, or any work, let’s make sure we are doing it for the right reason. When we choose to do things for selfish reasons any good that comes out of it is greatly hindered. Let’s be servants of God not glory seekers of men (John 12:43).
— Russ