Training Biblically Balanced Preachers

     The Bible has always presented a balanced message that includes both promises and warnings, privileges and responsibilities, mercy and justice, heaven and hell, faith and obedience – none of these to the exclusion of the others. Declaring the whole counsel of God, therefore, requires more than just preachers who are willing to preach. It calls for biblically balanced preachers who are committed to saying and doing the right things in the right ways for the right reasons.    

     While imprisoned in Rome facing imminent death, Paul composed what was probably his final manuscript – the epistle known as 2 Timothy. The document was originally sent to his dear friend and companion, for whom nearly a decade and a half had been invested in preparation for the ministry of the gospel. But the apostle’s chief concern was not only for the one he affectionately regarded as his “beloved son” (1:2);¹ it was for everyone who names the name of Christ (2:19). As Paul’s second letter to Timothy is carefully examined, it proves to be a timely message for today’s church and a fitting guide for training biblically balanced preachers. 

     Paul understood the importance of training faithful men who would be able to teach others also (2:1-2). And faithful men are those who are balanced, committed to the middle road of truth without compromise and without veering to the reckless left or the radical right. That is why the apostle places firm emphasis on “the pattern of sound words” (1:13), “sound doctrine” (4:3), and “the truth” (2:18, 25; 3:7, 8; 4:4).

     It goes without saying that a biblically balanced preacher is a diligent student of the Holy Scriptures. He is steadfastly committed to rightly discerning the word of truth (2:15). Not only does he know the Bible, with an underlying conviction of its divine origin, he genuinely applies it to his own life and as a consequence has been appreciably influenced by it (3:14-17). He is also compelled to “preach the word,” ready at all times to publicize the Lord’s message whether it is popular or not (4:2-5). 

     A biblically balanced preacher must understand that faithfulness and godly living are to precede anything he attempts to verbally profess. He is to be a “vessel of honor,” spiritually clean and set apart from the world, useful for the Master and prepared for every good work (2:21). From a pure heart he shuns immorality and pursues righteousness, faith, love and peace (2:22). He would be unashamed for every member of the congregation to know what television programs he watches or what websites he browses. His life serves as a commendable example that can be emulated by all who are seeking the Lord’s favor (3:10; 4:7).

     A biblically balanced preacher does not intentionally generate controversy nor does he eagerly seek it out. At the same time, however, he does not timidly evade difficult issues when they invariably occur (1:7). He realizes that unprofitable and disparaging discourse is to be avoided (2:14-17, 23). Yet doctrinal and behavioral error must be challenged unabashedly (2:17-18; 3:1-9; 4:3-4), even if it requires the naming of transgressors to warn of their dangerous influence (1:15; 2:17; 4:10, 14-15). The foremost concern is for the well-being of the church and the salvation of souls.

     A biblically balanced preacher not only proclaims the right message, he does so with the right attitude and the right manner. The pattern of sound words is embraced and communicated in the way of Christ Jesus, i.e. “in faith and love” (1:13). Rather than being contentious, the Lord’s servant is characterized by meekness, aptitude in teaching, patience, and humility, even when correcting those who are in opposition (2:24-25). While he preaches the word of God in order to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, he does so “with all longsuffering” (the correct manner) and “doctrine” (the correct teaching) (4:2).

     A biblically balanced preacher is watchful in all things, he endures affliction, he does the work of an evangelist, and he fulfills his ministry (4:5). Moreover, he does not easily give up. He understands that a life of serving Christ is a challenging vocation, filled with struggle, opposition, disappointment, and hardship (3:10-12). But he perseveres with the unwavering assurance that the Lord is with him every step of the way, providing the necessary strength to fully proclaim the gospel of life (4:16-18).

     A biblically balanced preacher lives in anticipation of the final reward. At the end of his journey he can confidently say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (4:7-8).

     While training preachers is an admirable pursuit, of even greater consequence is the training of biblically balanced preachers. With the Lord’s help, may we all be committed to such a worthy task.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnote:

     ¹ All scripture quotations are from the NKJV.

Originally appearing in Gospel Journal 7.6 (2006): 14-15.

Related Posts: Ministerial Balance Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

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What about pre-christian boys leading worship?

     Many congregations give opportunities to young boys (who have not yet obeyed the gospel in baptism) to read or recite scriptures and to lead prayers and songs in front of the assembled church. Is this biblical? Does this set a dangerous precedent for non-christian adults or others who are not scripturally qualified to exercise leadership in the church?

     Male leadership and leadership training are certainly biblical concepts (Mark 3:14; Luke 11:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 2 Timothy 2:2; etc.). Thus preparing boys to be future leaders does not fit into the same category as opening doors to non-christian adults or female leaders. While we respect divinely ordained gender roles, we must also appreciate that culpability and innocence before God distinguishes boys from non-christian men. Prior to reaching the age of accountability,¹ a child is not guilty of sin or separated from God and is thus spiritually safe.²

     It is my judgment that the practice of pre-christian boys leading in worship activities does not set a “dangerous precedent” but rather a biblical precedent of training future church leaders (cf. 1 Samuel 2:11, 18; Proverbs 22:6; Ecclesiastes 12:1; 1 Timothy 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:14-15).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Seeing that individuals develop and mature at varying rates, a specific age is not biblically prescribed. Nevertheless, a state of innocence prior to reaching a point at which one is accountable before God is clearly assumed in scripture: Deuteronomy 1:39; Numbers 8:2-3; 10:28; 14:29-31; Isaiah 7:15-16; John 9:21, 23; cf. Ezekiel 18:20; 28:15; Ecclesiastes 7:29; 1 John 3:4; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Luke 2:40-52.

     ² On the spiritual security of young children, see Deuteronomy 1:39; Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-14; Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:20.

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Train up a child

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV).

     The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings intended to convey general truths, and heeding these words of wisdom will surely help guide one’s life in a positive direction. But the plethoric variables and uncertainties of this world preclude taking each proverb in an absolute sense as though the wise sayings were meant as inflexible rules with definitive outcomes and no possible exceptions.

     Note, for example, Proverbs 10:4, which states, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” While this principle is generally true, mitigating circumstances could result in a lazy person being rich (by way of inheritance) and a diligent person being poor (via drought or stock market crash). Nevertheless, potential exemptions do not discount the wisdom of the stated proverb.

     Proverbs 22:6 affirms a general truth that ought to be heeded, although the free-will choices of each individual child means there will almost certainly be exceptions (cf. Genesis 4:1-7; Isaiah 1:2). Remember that the Bible is comprised of a variety of literary genres (historical, instructional, legislative, poetic, etc.), and not all are meant to be read and applied the same way. The books of Proverbs and Leviticus, for instance, represent very different types of literature and should therefore be interpreted accordingly.

     Parents, let us ensure that the Lord's ways are always upheld and observed in our homes and that our children are brought up in his training and admonition (Ephesians 6:4) as we encourage other parents to do the same. May the seeds of truth planted with discipline and love in impressionable hearts conquer stubborn, rebellious spirits. Let us be grateful when our children cooperate and the words of Proverbs 22:6 play out in our families. And may we be sympathetic and supportive of mothers and fathers and grandparents and guardians whose hearts are otherwise broken, praying that implanted seeds take root and guide straying loved ones back to the faith (Luke 15:11-32).

--Kevin L. Moore

Related Posts: Parents of Faith, Spiritual Development in the Family, Elder's Children

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Spiritual Development in the Family

     No two families are exactly alike, and because of the imperfect world in which we live, God’s ideal for the home is not a personal reality for everyone. But irrespective of our particular household dynamics, how can we ensure that spirituality is being developed in our homes?

     I. Provide what is really important. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV). Beyond the essentials of physical life (food, shelter, clothing), is there anything else the Lord expects us to provide for the members of our household? What about security, affection, quality time, undivided attention, and love? Do our children live in an environment where they can develop a healthy self-esteem (cf. Genesis 1:26-27; Mark 12:31), learning the significance of inner beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4)? Of even greater consequence, we must accept the responsibility of ensuring that our family is consistently exhorted to “walk worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

     II. Create an atmosphere of faith. From Deuteronomy 6:4-7 we learn three basic family guidelines. (1) Parents must exemplify faith (vv. 5-6). Our children watch, listen to, and imitate what we do and say. They pick up on our inconsistencies as well as our virtues. Whether our focus is on earthly or heavenly things (Colossians 3:2), our children will likely follow suit. (2) The way of the Lord must be taught in the home (v. 7a). As important as church assemblies and Bible classes are, the home is the central spiritual learning environment. Our children will learn their value system from somewhere, whether from the secular media, from misdirected peers, or from Christian parents. (3) We must make God and His will part of our daily conversation (v. 7b). It is never too early to begin talking to our children about our divine origin, righteousness, the Lord’s church, soul-winning, being a faithful Christian, marrying a faithful Christian, and preparing for eternity.

     Discipline is consistently practiced in a godly home (Ephesians 6:4) and must always be understood and administered in the context of love (Hebrews 12:3-11). Discipline, as God designed, is not merely corporal punishment but is appropriate action that encourages children to listen to and obey helpful instruction (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:12-16; 29:15, 17).

     III. Prepare for a family reunion in eternity. If one spouse ends up in heaven without the other, or if parents are there without their children or vice versa, what a tragedy! One’s own salvation should never be his/her only concern (cf. Hebrews 11:7). Granted, when our children leave home and are no longer under our authority and influence, they make their own choices and are solely accountable. But the general “train up a child” principle of Proverbs 22:6 ought to compel Christian parents to make sure that God is always first in the home. Families committed to the Lord will forever be together. 

     Developing spirituality in the family is no simple task in today’s worldly environment, but with God’s help and the right focus, let us be committed to this eternally significant endeavor.

--Kevin L. Moore

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