Square Pegs in . . .
Rod Smith
November 19, 2006
We all know the old saying. Yet we keep on putting square pegs in round holes in our Christian churches today.
The Bible (in 1 Timothy 3) sets out the character requirements for positions, such as bishop (defined by the dictionary as a spiritual overseer of a local church) or deacon. Any churches that take heed of those biblical guidelines are wise indeed.
That said, many are in positions in the church they are not fitted for. It should be different; we ought to be people filled with Holy Spirit discernment.
The presentation by the pastor in his weekly message is just as important as the content. What good is it to have an informative sermon of great value, but put over in such a dreary way the people fall asleep? There are people who can present the message much better than others.
Some pastors have been taught public speaking whilst in the seminary. Yet they are still not comfortable giving the message because they are not cut out to be a public speaker. It is human tradition that says they preach. Usually there are others in the congregation who could speak with much more life, enthusiasm - and above all – with a gifting from God.
The only way to determine that is to ask who wants to speak; then it is revealed who has that all-important ability. It is a humble pastor indeed who allows that to happen.
Generally, the “rank and file” don’t get the opportunity. They may, but usually at the lesser-attended of the Sunday meetings. Even if the chosen one does brilliantly he’ll probably never get the mike on the “all-important” occasion when the crowd are in.
Come to think of it, what is wrong with a pastor handing the microphone to someone better equipped to present the message, using the pastor’s notes? Is there a leader with the humility to do that?
An anointed, Spirit-inspired presentation from such a “stand-in” can touch hearts in a way that a three-years-at-Bible-college pastor may never do. The principle applies in other positions too.
Tha pastor announces: “We need Sunday School teachers; hands up those willing to volunteer.” That’s often the method used to fill the vacancies. While the Lord can give the wherewithal to those with willing hearts, isn’t it so much better to first ascertain who has the God-given talent for a particular niche? We all need more discernment. How do we get it? Pray, and request it from God.
Too often our methods and practices are humanistic rather than Holy Spirit inspired.
The Bible (in 1 Timothy 3) sets out the character requirements for positions, such as bishop (defined by the dictionary as a spiritual overseer of a local church) or deacon. Any churches that take heed of those biblical guidelines are wise indeed.
That said, many are in positions in the church they are not fitted for. It should be different; we ought to be people filled with Holy Spirit discernment.
The presentation by the pastor in his weekly message is just as important as the content. What good is it to have an informative sermon of great value, but put over in such a dreary way the people fall asleep? There are people who can present the message much better than others.
Some pastors have been taught public speaking whilst in the seminary. Yet they are still not comfortable giving the message because they are not cut out to be a public speaker. It is human tradition that says they preach. Usually there are others in the congregation who could speak with much more life, enthusiasm - and above all – with a gifting from God.
The only way to determine that is to ask who wants to speak; then it is revealed who has that all-important ability. It is a humble pastor indeed who allows that to happen.
Generally, the “rank and file” don’t get the opportunity. They may, but usually at the lesser-attended of the Sunday meetings. Even if the chosen one does brilliantly he’ll probably never get the mike on the “all-important” occasion when the crowd are in.
Come to think of it, what is wrong with a pastor handing the microphone to someone better equipped to present the message, using the pastor’s notes? Is there a leader with the humility to do that?
An anointed, Spirit-inspired presentation from such a “stand-in” can touch hearts in a way that a three-years-at-Bible-college pastor may never do. The principle applies in other positions too.
Tha pastor announces: “We need Sunday School teachers; hands up those willing to volunteer.” That’s often the method used to fill the vacancies. While the Lord can give the wherewithal to those with willing hearts, isn’t it so much better to first ascertain who has the God-given talent for a particular niche? We all need more discernment. How do we get it? Pray, and request it from God.
Too often our methods and practices are humanistic rather than Holy Spirit inspired.
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