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My Two Cents
Wally Rendel, Director of Church Relations, Cincinnati Christian University, Cincinnati, OHWe need more preachers!
The church was born in the midst of a preaching event (Acts 2). God has ordained through the foolishness of preaching to save a lost world (I Corinthians 1:21). God has one son and He was a preacher (Luke 4).
With new churches being planted, satellite campuses popping up, mission fields opening around the world and some current preachers retiring, we need more preachers. Let me share four suggestions:
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Our Christian colleges must make preaching a priority. This doesn't mean they can't have a number of different degree offerings, but the training of faithful ministers to lead local churches must be a core commitment. Churches must be willing to help provide the financial resources for that training through scholarships, internships and general fund giving.
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We need to re-emphasize full-time Christian service. Let's face it: a majority of preachers filling pulpits today were challenged for ministry (full-time service) at camp, CIY, National Missionary Conventions and chapel services in our Christian colleges. Yes, in chapel at a Christian college--many come to college devoted to the Lord but not knowing exactly what that means or how it will play out for them. Their hearts are open - challenge them!
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The local church is fertile recruiting soil for young people as they are intentionally involved in ministry. My home, First Christian in Miami, Oklahoma, always involved young people in ministry - ushering, serving communion, reading scripture, singing, giving testimonies and young guys preaching. In 23 years this church sent 85 people to Bible college and ministry. I was one of them.
- Preachers play a pivotal role in recruiting and mentoring young men for preaching. It takes an investment of time, energy and creativity to mentor four or five young guys for the preaching ministry but it pays eternal dividends. In my 34 years as minister at Southern Acres in Lexington, Kentucky we ordained 34 young men into ministry. I could probably have doubled that number if I had been more intentional by taking them on trips with me, discipling in small groups, taking them to Bible college events, spending more time in camp and CIY (perish the thought), playing golf.....just hanging out.
Paul had his Timothy and Titus. Who do you have? It's not too late. The next Cotton Jones, Ben Merold, Dick Alexander or Jon Weece could be in your congregation.
To share your thoughts, email Jen@cctoday.com with anything from a few sentences to a few paragraphs on the topic of your choice. Jen will contact you if we use your material.
