Preachers, it’s time for a painful gut-check. We must ask ourselves: is the state of our churches a reflection of our leadership?
Face the Facts
It’s easy to blame others or external factors. However, as shepherds, we greatly influence our flocks. “Like priest, like people” is a biblical principle (Hosea 4:9). Therefore, if devotion is low, altars gather cobwebs, and wells of intercession run dry, we must examine the pulpit. Is it a weak spark or a roaring flame? Does it barely warm or set the sanctuary ablaze?
Preaching is the primary catalyst for spiritual renewal. It sets the thermostat for congregational health. Consequently, if our sermons are bland clichés, devoid of unction and Calvary’s passion, should we be shocked when attendees leave with a shrug instead of a shout? Judgment begins with the household of God and often starts at the top (1 Peter 4:17, James 3:1). Thus, pastors, let’s repent of any mediocrity or half-heartedness. Indeed, eternity is at stake, and the sheep are starving for a heaven-sent word.
Paul’s charge to Timothy is urgent (2 Timothy 4:2): “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” Therefore, proclaim the truth as if your church’s life depended on it—because it does!
Preachers, Preach with Substance
Let’s end sermons that tickle ears but never prick consciences. Let’s banish cheap grace and cheap laughs and serve the soul-nourishing meat of gospel truth. Speak with a prophetic edge. Moreover, call out sin and apathy, starting with our own hearts. The preacher’s task is to please God, not people. It’s to challenge, not to coddle. This calling is not comfortable; it leads to loneliness and misunderstanding. Nonetheless, it’s the only path to genuine revival. Therefore, let’s chase away laziness and low expectations. Lean into the holy fire that sent Jeremiah running to proclaim God’s word (Jeremiah 20:9).
Preachers, Preach with Passion
Mount the pulpit each week as dying men to dying people, overflowing with the Kingdom’s new wine. Preach as if hell is real, time is short, and Jesus is worthy of our best efforts—because it’s true. Study, pray, exegete, illustrate, and apply as if lives hung in the balance—because they do. Furthermore, let’s keep our hearts ablaze with love for Christ and His gospel. The fire in the pulpit sparks the fire in the pews. If the preacher’s heart is cold, the church won’t be far behind.
Fan the Flame
Fan the flame, fellow shepherds (2 Timothy 1:6). Stoke your passion for Jesus until it warms the whole flock. Watch as the Lord breathes on the dry bones, as the Spirit starts to rattle tombstones of complacency and bring forth an exceeding great army (Ezekiel 37:4-10). It won’t happen overnight. The fields are hard, and resistance is real. However, if we preach the Word faithfully, refusing to shrink back or water down, then the harvest will come (Isaiah 55:10-11). The Bride will rise in splendor, ready for her Groom.
When the Marriage Supper begins and the great multitude praises, we’ll marvel that the King used us as His heralds. What a privilege, brothers! What a weighty calling and a glorious reward! Therefore, may we be found faithful, for the sake of His Bride and the glory of His matchless Name.
Preachers, Preach with Urgency
Preacher, preach on. Preach like your pulpit is on fire, like the gates of hell are rattling, and like the Last Trumpet is about to sound. Speak as men possessed by a holy obsession, knowing you have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:20). As you pour out your life on the altar of gospel proclamation, may Christ’s aroma fill your church and spill into your city (Philippians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Consequently, may the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering. May His Bride rise in splendor, a city on a hill, a lamp giving light to all.
Come, Lord Jesus
Let the pulpits of Your Church be ablaze with Your glory once more. Amen.
Sign up for my email updates and gain instant access to a 40% discount on my publisher’s website!
Learn more about my book “A Preach Well Church: How Churches Can Stop Burning Out Pastors.” Details are here, and you can purchase it on Amazon here.