About ten years ago, the FHU Lectureship Committee asked us to conduct a special session for preachers that would address practical matters in preaching and ministry. Through the years, we have discussed numerous aspects of preaching, and the session has grown more than we thought it would.
There are a few schools and programs that have asked us to do something similar. We have also conducted Preach Therapy sessions in a number of other countries. If we are honest with ourselves, we have learned much more about preaching and ministry than we have taught.
Here are a few insights we have gained:
Most of our preachers are doing outstanding work for the Lord.
Many preachers are hurting and often not sure where to turn for help.
Preachers need to talk to preachers.
Most preachers love the Lord, His Word, and the Kingdom.
Some problems that preachers encounter are unique to preachers.
Concerns that preachers have are basically the same in every culture and every country around the world.
Preachers want to do their best to help make sure that church families are healthy and that they are being fed properly.
Just about all preachers have stress in their families, in their lives, and in their ministry.
Most preachers have wondered, at times, whether their work is effective, and many have considered changing their life’s work to something other than preaching.
Here’s what we would like for you to know. If you preach the Word and minister from your heart to God’s people, God is proud of you. In addition to that, He will take care of you. That doesn’t mean you won’t struggle and even suffer, but He will take care of you. You are not alone. Most preachers can relate to what you are dealing with in your life.
The Kingdom needs you. Don’t quit because you’ve been disappointed by leaders, other preachers, and your church family. Talk to someone who can help. It doesn’t have to be us. It can be anyone who can relate to what you might be dealing with, but we are willing and available. Every preacher can use a little “therapy” from time to time. We are thankful for you and we love you.
