Too often- I think, the majority of Christians call the names of only the most popular preachers on the national scene when asked to provide a list of "great preachers".
Recently, I've had the privilege of hearing and hosting two great preachers right here in Arizona. Who are the two you ask? First, Reverend Arthur Lee Jr., pastor of the great Bethlehem Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona. Pastor Lee was our guest preacher at the 7:50AM service for our 3rd Annual Senior Saints Sunday at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Mesa Arizona.
Wow! What a sermon... what a preacher! Pastor Lee has been a long-time preaching personality on the scene here in the 'valley of the sun'. He's served in various capacities with respect to the State Convention, community agencies and the like. But without question one of his greatest gifts is preaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lee took me to school as he preached a dynamic and clear gospel message centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ on the cross. His message was challenging, life changing and encouraging. And, watch this- he didn't take all day to do it.
I thank my God upon each remembrance of this wonderful pastor and his Christ-centered sermon.
For the same ocassion, on the same Sunday morning at our 10:20AM service, Rev. James N. Preston, pastor of the Bethesda Community Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona preached The Gospel of Jesus Christ at CMBC.
Pastor Preston brought a phenomenal message that blessed our congregation in great ways. His preaching was practical, powerful and absolutely carefully crafted. He walked through the passage, breaking down key words and phrases, presenting The Gospel of Jesus Christ with clarity. Then, he closed. Pastor Preston closed the sermon in a great way.
The Lord blessed him to "hit on all cylinders".
These are just two examples of local preachers who presented a wonderful word to us. Men, who like me, may not make the list of the 50 greatest preachers ... according to Ebony Magazine or some other publication. But still great preachers in their own right.
During the Pastor Summit 2009, our chief facilitator, Dr. Fred Campbell, encouraged those pastor's in attendance, to seek the "Amen" of God; as opposed to the "Amen" of men. That said, when I come to the end of my days, (and, quite frankly while I'm walking in this world right now); I want to hear The LORD say "Amen" to what I'm doing... to what I'm preaching... to how I'm living!
I take nothing from the great preachers who have been recognized on the national and international scene, but let's not forget my brothers and sisters, there are preachers who've come and gone, that can out preach any one of us ... on any given Sunday. Some of them preached sermons in back alley's, never in a pulpit. Some of them preached sermons in small country towns, never on large stages or pulpits around America and the world. Most of them, we've never even heard of I'm sure. But believe this, when we get to heaven, there will be some people (some preacher's); walking around with rewards that astound us; while some other, well known, much applauded preacher's will be there too- but with minimal "hardware" if you will.
Let me be clear now, I believe we will all "cast down our crowns"- our rewards and accolades at the feet of Jesus Christ. The point I'm trying to make is be faithful in what you do for The LORD as a gospel preacher. And remember you're doing it for Him, through Him and by Him... so to God be the glory- ALL THE GLORY for the things He has done, is doing and shall yet perform.
Preach On!
Sherman J. Fort
1 comment:
Do you feel it is wrong for us to have favorite preachers?
I have been told I am wrong for saying a certain preacher didn't preach well, because he is still preaching God's Word...
But it is my thinking that some ministers just do a better job at delivering the Word. I look at some key areas for a good preacher.
First I look at the amount of time they take to open and close a sermon, as well as getting to the point as they are feeding me in the middle...
I also see if the preacher is prepared... It is nothing like sitting in church and a preacher is totally topical and all over the place. And if they take a scripture out of context... AWWWWW
Also, if a preacher try's to close with Jesus on the cross just out of the blue, they choke the air out of me with disappointment because they know they will surely get a response out of the people if they do...
Oh, and if they whoop all of a sudden... man I just don't understand it... You know what I mean, they just turn it on, it's like they get to their notes and it says now "Whoop" It makes me want to walk out...
I'm curious on what you think about having favorites...
I agree with you that there are so many local ministers that have a great handle of the word and never get recognized... and the ones that are recognized on a national level are sometimes not the strongest in the word, they are just popular.
Post a Comment