“The Work Of A Preacher”

Selected and Adapted

 

We all have limitations, and preachers are not excluded. A preacher could spend 12 hours a day, seven days a week, calling on the lost, spiritually starved, and “unchurched.” He could spend those hours calling in the homes of the members, the sick, the indifferent, and the inactive. He could spend those hours doing office work and meeting with various groups. He might spend 12 hours a day with the funerals, weddings, and countless other obligations that appeal for his time and help. He could spend those 12 hours a day in his study preparing lessons, with great profit to himself and to the church.

            So a preacher – any preacher – must remain inadequate. He can only attempt to cover the above five fields of endeavor in part. Devoting only 20% of his available time to each endeavor. Every preacher labors with this handicap. Every preacher doing his job as God has commanded him to knows this is true. The preacher realizes that most people don’t know this is true. Most folks forget that there are others who have the same problems, needs, and demands on the preacher as they do.

            However, you need not pity the preacher. He is doing the work he loves. Inadequate, constantly busy, and always behind with work, he still has the greatest job on earth. Pray for your preacher. Bear with him. Let him know your needs and call on him for help. But remember, he is the only member of the congregation that has no minister.