Achieving and Maintaining Ministerial Balance (Part 2 of 3)

THE PREACHER’S FAMILY 

     My family is by far my most important ministry and my greatest mission field. I cannot be a faithful minister of the gospel while neglecting my God-given family obligations. Even though I may be doing a lot of good work for the Lord and ministering to numerous people, if my family is lost in the process I am a miserable failure (cf. 1 Samuel 2:12; 3:13). Never have I heard a preacher bemoan the fact that he has given too much time and attention to his family. However, I am personally aware of several who have suffered strained or broken marriages or have lost their kids to the world because they were too busy doing “the Lord’s work” at the expense of being husbands and fathers.

     If I am married and have children, to borrow Harry Truman’s adage, “The buck stops here.” In other words, the primary responsibility for my family’s well being has been placed on my shoulders (Ephesians 5:23–6:4). When the inevitable conflicts arise, instead of automatically pointing the finger I need to be asking, “What have I done or failed to do to contribute to these problems, and what do I need to be doing to help resolve them?” It is blatant hypocrisy to teach or counsel others to obey God’s directives for the home if I am not obedient myself.

     “But if anyone is not providing for his own, and especially for his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).¹ How does this passage apply to me? If I furnish my family a place to sleep and clothes to wear and sufficient funds in the grocery budget, have I satisfied this divine expectation? Surely providing for my family involves more than just material necessities. Am I supplying love, security, a good example, encouragement, discipline, spiritual leadership, affection, affirmation, and quality time and attention? 

THE PREACHER’S HEALTH 

     In order for my car to operate to its full potential and to be of any value to me or anyone else, regular fueling, maintenance, and repairs are necessary. Otherwise, it breaks down and serves no functional purpose. The same holds true for preachers. Jesus, one of the busiest men who ever lived, recognized that occasions of rest and rejuvenation are necessary (cf. Mark 6:31).

     My physical health suffers when I pay little attention to diet and exercise, thus rendering me less and less useful in the Lord’s service. Just like my automobile, my body isn’t going to run indefinitely, and without proper care it will not function efficiently, and it probably won’t wait for a convenient time to break down.

     My mental health suffers when my outward focus significantly exceeds my inward and upward focus. Being continually overloaded and overwhelmed by external factors, with little opportunity for healthy diversions, eventually leads to a breaking point. The stress, pressures, and time-demands can be relieved by hobbies, recreation, and rest. Yes, even preachers need the occasional break.

     My spiritual health suffers when nearly all of my Bible study is for the benefit of others, while my own spirit is malnourished. Personal devotion is vital to keeping the proverbial batteries recharged. I cannot be “equipped for every good work” without a steady diet of spiritual sustenance (2 Timothy 3:14-17). 

DOCTRINAL BALANCE² 

     The Bible has always presented a balanced message that includes both promises and warnings, blessings and responsibilities, righteousness and sin, mercy and justice, heaven and hell, faith and obedience, etc. Declaring the whole counsel of God, therefore, calls for doctrinal balance that considers all sides of divine instruction and not just one to the virtual exclusion of the other.

     As a biblically balanced preacher I will always strive to say and do the right things in the right ways for the right reasons. Doctrinal balance particularly compels me to proclaim the right message with the right attitude in the right manner (2 Timothy 2:24-25; 4:2). Further, I must appreciate that faithfulness and godly living are to precede anything I attempt to verbally profess (1 Timothy 4:6-16).

     Doctrinal balance ensures that I am committed to the middle road of truth without compromise and without veering to the reckless left or the radical right. Controversy is not something to eagerly seek out or intentionally and unnecessarily generate. But when it does occur, and it certainly will, how does the Lord expect me to respond? Suffice it to say that doctrinal balance has no place for timidity, evasion, or unconcern (cf. Romans 16:17; Galatians 6:1; Jude 3). 

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations in English are the author’s own translation.

     ² This brief section is a condensed and modified version of the author’s “Training Biblically Balanced Preachers,” in Gospel Journal 7.6 (2006): 14-15.




Published in So You Want to Be a Preacher, ed. David Powell. Henderson, TN: Freed-Hardeman University, 2013: 220-29.

Related Posts: Achieving Balance Part 1, Part 3, Train up a child




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Achieving and Maintaining Ministerial Balance (Part 1 of 3)

     As an undergraduate college student I considered myself a very busy person, with all the classes, assignments, campus jobs, club meetings, social activities, et al. Then after a number of post-college years outside “the bubble,” I realized how comparatively light my college schedule actually was! If attempting to accomplish multiple tasks is likened to juggling, I was learning to handle a few ping pong balls in school compared to the numerous bowling balls I was trying to keep in the air years later.

     I have had the privilege of working as an unmarried evangelist, a married and childless evangelist, and a married evangelist with children. Each of these situations has its own unique benefits and challenges. As a single man, I certainly had more time to devote to the Lord’s work without worrying about neglecting a family (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35). The problem is, others were more than willing to step in and occupy my time and attention, and there was no one else in my life to help redirect my focus and to balance out the work load.

     As a family man, to the already demanding juggling routine were added some major bowling balls that I absolutely could not afford to drop. While my wife, followed by our first child and then our second, were (and still are) huge blessings to me, the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle became much more daunting. Then came the doctoral studies on top of a full-time job and a full-time family. The world record for the most bowling balls juggled is three, and I was attempting to do even more. It didn’t take long to realize that there were literally not enough hours in a day or enough energy in my limited reserves to accomplish all that needed to be done.

     “Therefore look carefully how you are walking, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).¹ The essence of what Paul is saying here is captured in familiar renderings such as, “making the most of your time” (NASB), “making the best use of your time” (ESV), and “making the most of every opportunity” (NIV). But these popular translations have missed a subtle yet significant nuance in the text.

     The present participial form of exagorazō (lit. “redeeming,” cf. ASV, N/KJV) is employed in the original. The verb itself means to exchange one thing for another, while the present tense conveys a continual or ongoing action. The implication is that everyone has been entrusted with a limited amount of time each day, gradually adding up to a lifetime. Paul is admonishing his readers to carefully consider the things they regard as so important that they are willing to exchange for them the precious time that has been placed in their hands. 

THE PREACHER’S DESK 

     The expression “desk” is used here as a synecdoche, inclusive of the preacher’s office, library, and/or computer. As ministers of the gospel, our desks can be one of our best allies or one of our worst enemies. While we do not wear official titles, there are several descriptive terms that identify what we are called to do. A preacher preaches, a teacher instructs, a minister serves, and an evangelist evangelizes. I cannot do an effective job as a preacher or a Bible teacher by avoiding my desk, and I cannot realistically do the work of a minister or an evangelist while at my desk.

     The number of blog posts and published articles and plethoric comments on social media from some preachers give the impression that they are hardly ever away from their computers. No doubt a certain amount of good can be accomplished through the widespread dissemination of written words via the Internet. However, the biggest impact we will ever make on people’s lives is not going to happen while sitting alone at a computer.

     Evangelism, i.e. effectually communicating the good news of Christ’s message to those who are unfamiliar with it, is the essential work of an evangelist. Obviously one cannot legitimately be described as an evangelist if he is not actively engaged in evangelizing. If this happens to be the case because too many additional activities have been allowed into the juggling routine, why is it that evangelism usually gets dropped before so many other endeavors of far lesser consequence? Am I hoping that someone somewhere in the world is reading what I’m posting on the web, while there are scores of individuals in my own community who are not being reached?

     The sad reality is that many (most?) of our congregations are not growing as they should, and souls are not being saved in significant numbers. If members of the church have somehow come to believe that evangelism is solely the job of a religious professional, they clearly need to be taught otherwise (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). But if the preacher himself is not evangelizing, he has forfeited one of his very best teaching tools – his own example (cf. 1 Corinthian 4:16; 11:1; 2 Timothy 3:10; 4:5).

     I cannot effectively communicate God’s word without sufficient time invested in study and preparation. Neither can I effectively communicate God’s word if I am not connected with those I am trying to reach. Too little time behind the desk and my teaching and preaching suffer. Too much time behind the desk and my ministry and evangelism suffer. There has to be a consistent balance.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnote:

     ¹ Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations in English are the author’s own translation.




Published in So You Want to Be a Preacher, ed. David Powell. Henderson, TN: Freed-Hardeman University, 2013: 220-29.

Related Posts: Achieving Balance Part 2, Part 3

Related Articles: Jeremiah Tatum's Advice for Younger Preachers




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Balance in Outreach

     What do you get when you combine two uneducated fishermen and a crippled beggar? Very little of any consequence from the world’s perspective. But when Jesus is added to the mix, a powerful force emerges that significantly impacts the lives and destinies of multitudes.

     It was early summer AD 30, about 3:00 in the afternoon, as a couple of unimposing Galileans headed toward the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Reaching the beautifully ornamented gate on the eastern side of the compound, they encountered a lame man requesting financial assistance. Beyond his physical disability and poor economic state, however, his greatest need was the spiritual condition of his immortal soul.

     Although nothing of any monetary value was available to share at the time, there was something worth so much more. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” the beggar was told, “rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6 NKJV). “Immediately,” the record states, his feet and ankle bones were strengthened, and for the first time in over four decades he was able to stand on his own. Not only that, he began to walk and to leap in the air, entering the temple praising God (vv. 7-11). As a crowd soon gathered, the pair of evangelists recognized a golden opportunity to share good news and spent the next several hours teaching these eager listeners about the crucified and risen Lord (vv. 12-26). By evening, before antagonists could interrupt the evangelistic campaign, multitudes had been won to Christ (4:1-4).

     The two apostles were then taken into custody and the next day brought before the Jewish High Court. Since Jesus had stood before these very same adjudicators just a few weeks earlier, and considering what eventually happened to him, John and Peter were almost certainly on trial for their lives. Yet remarkably they regarded this as another opportunity to proclaim the message of Christ, concluding their address with the challenging words: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (vv. 5-12).

     “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (v. 13). How did these officials know that the two defendants had been with Jesus? Perhaps they had been seen in his company during his earthly ministry. More likely it was because they were exhibiting the same confidence, conviction, and courage that Christ himself had only recently demonstrated before this court. Jesus had made a lasting impression on these simple fishermen, and it showed!

     But Peter and John were not the only ones appearing before the Sanhedrin that day. The greatest testimony presented on this occasion was not anything spoken by either of these preachers. “And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them,” the accusers “could say nothing against it” (v. 14). Someone else who had been immeasurably impacted by the Lord was “standing up” for Jesus!

     When demands were then made that there be no more teaching in Jesus’ name, the two apostles defiantly issued this response: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (vv. 19-20). Apparently these ill-treated disciples were so committed to Christ and so convicted by his message that they simply could not be silent.

     After being further threatened and then released, they rejoined their companions, and the first thing they all did together was pray. Surprisingly they did not ask God to take away the hardships or to make their lives easier. Understanding that tribulation is an inevitable reality when living for Christ in an imperfect world, they dutifully implored: “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word” (v. 29). Doing the Lord’s will, even in the face of adversity, was a priority for these godly servants, and their selfless appeal was answered (v. 31).

     What can we learn from the events recorded in Acts 3–4 to help us achieve and maintain balance in our evangelistic efforts? At least three central points are worthy of our consideration.

Be Truly Converted to Christ

     How seriously do I take my Christianity? Do the people in my life know me primarily as a member of the Lord’s church, or is it in other capacities that I am principally recognized? Is being a Christian something I merely profess but do not genuinely practice? Is it something I engage in only once, twice, or perhaps three times a week? Is my level of commitment and Bible knowledge any greater now than when I first obeyed the gospel, or am I slowly regressing toward spiritual stagnation?

     To be truly converted to Christ means that one’s life has been significantly and observably transformed. It was obvious that Jesus had made a considerable impact on Peter and John, rendering them incapable of keeping quiet about the gospel message (Acts 4:13, 20). And these inspired men expected the same response from other converts (cf. 1 Pet. 1:13-25; 2:1-25; 3:13-17; 4:1-19; 1 John 1:3; 2:6; 3:1, 10, 18-24). If observers see little or no difference in the attitudes and behaviors of one who has been baptized into the body of Christ, something is terribly wrong.

     Years ago as I was preparing to move overseas as a first-time missionary, a lady from my home congregation tried to dissuade me, saying, “But we need you here.” I replied: “You and many other Christians are already here to do the Lord’s work; if I don’t take the gospel overseas, who will?” The excuses that followed made it apparent that this professing Christian was satisfied letting someone else do the Lord’s work where she lived, while countless souls around the world remained in spiritual darkness.

     The Bible says concerning the Lord’s people that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith (Eph. 3:17). Since Jesus brings with him the burden of a lost and dying world (Luke 19:10; 1 Tim. 1:15), he simply cannot reside within us if there is no room in our hearts for that burden. For the congregation comprised of members who possess the mind of Christ, evangelism is a top priority, and there are no debates about whether or not outreach programs are to be included in the budget or if the focus of our soul winning is to be local or abroad.

Pray Selfless, Evangelistic Prayers

     When Peter and John returned to their comrades, they promptly gathered to pray (Acts 4:23-30). But unlike some of the prayers that we tend to offer, bursting into heaven with a long list of petitions and self-concerns, the apostles first took the time to praise and acknowledge God for who he is and for all that he has done (v. 24). Though they were facing severe maltreatment, their chief concern was for the success of the Lord’s cause as they asked for boldness to continue spreading his word (v. 29).

     While our heavenly Father most certainly wants our requests to be made known to him (Phil. 4:6), these must surely include the accomplishing of his will. We ought to regularly pray for the lost souls in our lives, including family, friends, co-workers, school-mates, and neighbors. We should also entreat the Lord for opportunities to share our faith with them. We need to be praying for the evangelistic endeavors of our home congregation and for the missionaries and mission efforts we support. From personal experience I can say without reservation that one of the most encouraging things that can ever be said to a missionary consists of five simple words: “I am praying for you.” Our God and his perfect will must always be at the center of our thoughts, prayers, and activities.

Put Prayers Into Action

     Peter and John and their companions, having prayed for boldness to speak God’s word, “spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). As Jesus was preparing to send out thirty-five pairs of missionaries, reminding them of the magnitude of the harvest and scarcity of workers, he declared: “therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:1-2). And having exhorted these disciples to pray, the very next word from his lips was “go.”

     The Lord’s people are often the very instruments through which prayers are answered. It does little good to pray for the hungry if we are unwilling to supply food (Matt. 25:42). How will orphans and widows realistically be helped in their affliction if we pray for them without practicing pure and undefiled religion before God (Jas. 1:27)?  Will it serve any useful purpose to pray for our lost neighbors if we refuse to share with them the sacred message that has the power to save their souls (Jas. 1:21)? Undoubtedly if we pray daily and fervently for those in our lives who are estranged from God, for opportunities to share God’s word with them, and for courage and wisdom to take advantage of these opportunities, it will be nearly impossible to just sit back and remain idle.

     Perhaps we are not taking the world for Christ because too much of our resources are tied up in the local work, which unfortunately has become necessary to compensate for the lack of involvement of a large percentage of those who profess to follow Jesus. If members of the Lord’s church are truly converted to him and are eagerly engaged in evangelistic praying and putting these prayers into action, then local evangelism takes care of itself. This in turn frees up more of our resources to be utilized in taking the gospel beyond the borders of our immediate environs.

     Let us be truly converted to Jesus, and pray selfless, evangelistic prayers, and then put our prayers into action. Only then will we achieve balance in our outreach, and only then will our purpose in God’s kingdom be fulfilled.

--Kevin L. Moore

*This is an abbreviated and modified version of the article published in Balance in an Unbalanced World: the 34th Annual Lectureship of ETSPM, ed. James Meadows (Knoxville, TN: ETSPM, 2008): 212-20.

Related Posts: Ministerial Balance Part 1

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