Leadership: Preaching

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”

Mark 16:15 (NIV)

I've thought about our King’s order to preach. My pastors share their faith so easily, even out in the world among strangers: relating kindly to everybody, and offending nobody on the way.

That type of “preaching” isn’t my gifting. I used to BE one of those outsiders who disliked pontificating Christians. 

Since no one spoke effective words to me, and neither my head nor heart was ready… I’m sensitive to other’s readiness. I don’t want to harm!

I now believe “preaching” takes many forms!

  • Since Jesus compares human hearts to soil, and the Word of God is compared to seed,

  • Since soil must be prepared to receive seed, and farming preparation comes in steps,

  • Since soil (hearts) must be softened by tilling, and the hardest clumps may require breaking,

Then preaching also requires SOFTENING! Therefore, consider some heart “softeners,” like..

  • Good deeds, kind words, warm smiles, and open arms,

  • Inviting and welcoming graciousness,

  • Especially toward strangers in need…

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

“Preaching” also includes MODELING Christ, by showing how Christians are called to live. Because no thoughtful person wants to join an unkind or unhappy family!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’re living, breathing billboards for Jesus, in film, fashion, music, and theatre… where lost and searching eyes can follow you.

You’re His light-bearers and standard-holders, walking in faith and spiritual fruit… showing fans where happiness is found.

You’re His “clean up the mess” construction crew, raising a highway among twisted paths. God’s road is narrow, but brilliantly lit*

To lonely outsiders, you’re intriguing. To “church-bound” insiders, you’re inspiring. Your preaching is witnessed in your lifestyle and the choices you make along the way… to the final and ultimate Preacher.

Leadership: Preaching (Part 38)

* 'How beautiful is the coming or the running of such a herald. The feet are emblematic of his coming. Their rapid motion would be seen; and their rapidity would be beautiful from the desire to hear the message which he brought. The whole meaning of the passage, then, as applied to ministers of the gospel, is, that their coming is an attractive object, regarded with deep interest, and productive of joy--an honored and a delightful employment.... That preach ... Literally, that evangelize peace. That proclaim the good news of peace; or bring the glad message of peace' (Barnes Notes on the Bible re: Romans 10:15, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/romans/10-15.htm)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban