If a minister's preaching and work are to be truly effective, he must be a disciple of Jesus Christ, walking with Him in a meaningful personal relationship. He must be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. His heart must be filled with and motivated by the love of God. He must be "clothed with humility" and be a shepherd who is willing to give his life for the sheep. In the fear of God, he must be willing to say and do the difficult things that must be done for the good of the church and the salvation of the individual. He must not draw back from them because of fear of man or to protect his personal popularity. He must lead the way in the will of God, and beckon the congregation to follow. His preaching must be by the inspiration and unction of the Holy Spirit. In preparing the message, he must give himself to prayer, meditation, and the Word, being "first partaker of the fruits" (2 Tim. 2:6). The more of God there is in the message and the less of man, the more effective the message will be.
If the minister's life is not consistent with his message, the trumpet gives forth an uncertain sound, and "who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (1 Cor. 14:8). Who will heed the minister's message of charity if love is not clearly felt in his life and labors? How will his message of humility be effective if the congregation detects pride in his heart? How will a call to temperance and self-denial be received if there are evident excesses in the minister's life? Can he preach convincingly about simplicity and nonconformity to the world if there are inconsistencies in his own life or in his family? While we are comforted that God speaks through faulty and imperfect men, the effectiveness of preaching is largely dependent on the faithfulness of the preacher.
A minister's effectiveness is in part the congregation's responsibility. Above all, he needs the prayers of his people. He also needs their encouragement. The minister is strengthened by a quiet word of support or appreciation.
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