A Word to Those Who Preach

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr

My main concern is to teach principles of discipleship, but today I want to say a word to preachers. Specifically, I'd like to address five points.


Make disciples 

The local congregation is God’s primary base of operations: “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)

Preach to seekers. Be an apologist. Share from a heart grounded in the truth of the Gospel: Jesus is Messiah. He is the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners. He died, rose again, ascended to the Father, and intercedes continually for His own. He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.


Strengthen and equip disciples

The Lord commanded his disciples to make disciples by teaching them stewardship of His Word. They were to preach the Gospel to the end of this age (Matt 28:16–20). The Apostle Paul made this the point of his final instruction to Timothy: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2, 3).


Preach to the spiritually mature as well as to the seeker.

The disciples must be fed both milk and meat depending on their needs. Preach according to the maturity levels of believers (John 21:15-17). God’s Word makes us free from the bondage of sin (John 8:31–36). Living in this freedom requires maturity. The preacher and elders of the congregation are to model mature Christian living.

As Francis of Assisi said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”

Do not abuse the pulpit

Your words can edify or injure. Truth is described as a two-edged sword. Be aware of its power. Small group discussions after the sermon under the leadership of mature teachers can be very helpful.

The preacher is not the message. Get over yourself!

Remember that your family members don't appreciate being used to illustrate a sermon point.


Do not allow discouragement to hinder your preaching.

The Lord Jesus was a great preacher, but even the greatest preacher can find his powerful and precious words falling lifeless on the rock-hard surface of souls.

Expect opposition, criticism, and hardship. Even the greatest apostles suffered for the sake of the Gospel.

Stay in the Word! Meditate on the whole Bible: Old and New Testaments (Acts 20:27; 1 Cor. 2:1-4; Eph. 3:7-9). The Holy Spirit wants to open the mysteries of Jesus Christ to you so that you may faithfully feed the flock.


Related reading: Pulpit Abuse; Survey of the Fundamentals of Discipleship; Beware a Different Gospel; Our Common Confession; A Gospel-Centered Church Starts with the Pulpit; Formed and Informed by the Bible