Learning from a Teacher.

Let me introduce you to my favorite 1st Grade Teacher.  She was not my teacher when I was 6, nor did she teach my son's 1st Grade class (she was teaching 6th grade then).  We struck up one of our many conversations about teaching and preaching as we were returning from a "working vacation."  Yes, I am married to this teacher, I continual learn a lot from Amy's wisdom and insight even after almost 21 years of marriage.

Discussing how some of us who preach generally approach a topic or sometimes a situation within a congregation, she said that in the church we need to change from only using "spraying and praying" in our attempt to teach the truth. To "spray and pray" is an un-choked shotgun approach.  We do this when we preach a sermon or teach a class and hope that those who need to hear the message will get it.  We "spray" the message out and "pray" it reaches hearts.

Instead, she gave an alternative approach:  "Reaching and teaching."  This method is knowing the individuals of the congregation and reaching them with lessons to help them.  We can accomplish this is smaller classes aimed at particular age or social groups (singles, young marrieds, etc) and most effectively working with people on an individual level.

The more I thought about this the more I realized this is what Jesus did much of the time.  Consider how he taught the woman at the well, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and His apostles.  This is also the approach Aquila and Priscilla used to teach Apollos.

Thank you Amy, for reminding me how to be more effective as a preacher, teacher, and Christian who is concerned for the salvation of all.

The question is, "How can we best "reach and teach" instead of "spray and pray"?

Passing the Torch

Monday I read more than a few blogs concerning preachers whose influence is ongoing:
Chris writes about Dowel Flatt.
While Brian writes about Mike Tanaro.
Paul writes about her Dad.
Lisa writes about her Dad too.
And John writes about Richard Travis and others.

Today, I join the effort in Passing the Torch.

There are a lot of preachers in my life.  Many of them from my childhood and the congregations we attended.  Some of those who impacted my life were: John Bird, Jim Wisdom, and Ron Missildine.  These three were preachers where I attended.  Brother John Bird was the preacher when I obeyed the gospel at Leonard Street in Pensacola, FL.  He was one of the most kind hearted and tender men I had the privilege of knowing.  From him I learned the importance of prayer and saw in him a man who often knelt before the throne of God. Jim Wisdom is the man who "tricked" me into preaching my first sermon and (other than my mom) most influenced my love for singing.  He was the first preacher I knew as a friend and not just "the Preacher." If Jim had not been a part of our congregation when I was a pre-teen and young teen, I do not know if I would be a preacher.  Ron Missildine preached across town. I attended where he preached while a teenager since that congregation (Warrington Church of Christ) had an earlier service I could attend allowing me to worship and then go to work at a restaurant on Sunday afternoon.  Ron was much like Jim Wisdom in that he was a friend, and like John Bird he was a man who you knew had a relationship with God.  Ron's lessons were Biblical, practical, and easy to understand.  I hope in some way I am like the three of them.

Again, there have been a lot of preachers, but the one that stands out most, was a "retired" preacher who taught Bible Class when I was a teenager - Dale McCaleb. I only heard him preach on a few occasions.  Most of his influence was in class and in fellowship before and after worship.  Bro. McCaleb grew up not far from where I now live.  He is part of the "Greatest Generation"  who had a hard life and worked to make ends meet.  He worked with Navy and preached where ever he lived.  His life finally brought him to NAS Pensacola, where he decided to stay.  Dale and Ruby began worshiping with the Leonard Street Church of Christ when I was about 14 years old.  Soon Dale was teaching the teens, talking about a life of preaching, and going to school at Montgomery Bible School and meeting the love of life (Ruby).  His knowledge of scripture, his relationship with the Savior, his love for God, his example of a life spent in service inspired me.  When he spoke of his education, of his wife, of his God and Savior, I could hang on every word.  He was my grandfather's friend, but he was and is in many ways my hero.  Bro McCaleb's health is not what it used to be, the years are catching up to him, (he is about 90 years old).  This past year, I had the honor to preach a series of sermons at the congregation were I grew up and where he still attends.  He was there, sitting in the third row, smiling, nodding approval, and saying, "Amen."  After 20 or more years of preaching, having his approval meant so much to me.  Brother Dale McCaleb -- "Thank you."  I pray I can be a similar influence as I strive to follow Christ.

Scott

Saddlebags, City Streets, & Cyberspace - A Book Review

I am reaching into the vault of book reviews to pull out this one, I shared with an online preachers groups a few years ago.

Michael W. Casey, Saddlebags, City Streets, & Cyberspace; A History of Preaching in the Churches of Christ, (Abilene;ACU Press) 1995. 210 pp.

Michael Casey provides the churches of Christ with an historical volume of a different genre from most other Restoration History texts.  One would expect that in a fellowship that focuses much attention on preaching in our worship, there would be multiple volumes discussion the development and style of our gospel preaching.

Casey develops preaching and advises his reader to realize that preaching is a living representation of a living message that will always change and adapt as people change and adapt within their environment.  According to Casey's research, styles of preaching reflect not only the environment of the audience, but to a large extent the culture of the preacher.  As evidence of the adaptability of preaching, Casey points the reader to observe the change in Alexander Campbell.  He notes that Campbell made observed a change in sermon he preached ten months prior to crossing the Atlantic.  Campbell changed his preaching from a stoic recitation / reading to a more extemporaneous style for the American Frontier (p 19-20).  Early in the book, Casey warns that preaching, no matter the style or cultural form, must be faithful to the message of the Gospel.

Campbell, even while preaching more extemporaneously, preached from a Baconian (Rationalistic) style.  This style grew out of Thomas Reid's ideas of Common Sense, which states that every rational individual will come tot he correct answer if given the correct facts. American Rationalism an adaptation of Scottish Realism had four principal elements: (1) enthusiasm for natural science, (2) strict empiricism, (3) a love for inductive reasoning, and (4) the celebration of Frances Bacon as the father of inductive science (p 25-26).  Out of this rational approach grew the tradition of debates.  The assumption of those debating is that if Common Sense is common then fact presented to a reasonable audience will convince them of the Truth.

Casey then gives descriptions of various styles of preaching and gives examples of those using these styles.  he describes T. B. Larrimore as an example of a Narrative Preacher.  He discusses the influence of N. B. Hardeman and his Tabernacle Sermons on Evangelism and Campaign Preaching.  Casey assigns the genre of "Scholarly Tradition" to those who delve into Historical Criticism, specific exegesis, and general application.  Many early proponents of this Scholarly Tradition were the professors and leaders at various Christian Colleges and Universities.  To Casey, those that preach "Jesus Centered" lessons are Evangelical in tradition.

Casey concludes asking, "What's next?"  In this age of mass communication, we have very little reason to think that preaching will always remain the same.  If in the past, preaching evolved as Casey aptly describes, in this age of ever changing technology preaching will adapt, and should as long as preaching remains true to the Gospel message.  Casey recommends a shift or "reconnection of the academic discipline of rhetoric with homiletics" (p 199).

Seemingly, Casey blames much failure on the Rational Tradition for weaknesses in the Restoration Movement.  He also admits that each "tradition" has its own problems.  The emphasis then remains that the message is more important than the method of presentation.

In the intervening decade and a half since publication of Casey's book technology has impacted preaching.  Additional material discussing "PowerPoint Tradition" and even the influence of blogs, Facebook, and Twitter on preaching would be a welcome appendix.  I would personally like to see and evaluation of the methods of Paul, Peter, Stephen, and especially Christ.  As 21st Century Restorers, we can still learn much from these great men of the past and those that followed them.


Preach the Truth, no matter what!

Scott

Boles on Preachers

This morning, I was scanning through some old books. In a 1949 edition of Boles' Outlines by BC Goodpasture; I ran the following outline, "Responsibilities of Gospel Preachers." An online biography of Brother Boles relates, "H. Leo Boles was preeminently a teacher. In the fall of 1906, he became a member of the faculty of David Lipscomb College (then Nashville Bible School). While doing regular work as teacher, he took lessons daily in the Bible under the lamented David Lipscomb. For seven years he taught philosophy and mathematics but, on becoming president of David Lipscomb College in 1913, he began to give more and more time to teaching the Bible. It was a rare treat to attend his classes in logic, ethics, and evidences of Christianity. He taught his students the Bible-not merely some course related to the book, but the book itself. His students were taught to oppose all modernism, speculation and denominationalism. About 1,500 young preachers received instruction in his classes, besides hundreds of students who never became preachers."

Since many of my readers are preachers, I thought I would share this challenge to each of us.

Introduction: He should know his responsibilities as a gospel preacher and be able to meet them. Being ignorant of them disqualifies him. Willful failure to meet them disqualifies him.

I. Gospel Preacher's Motto: (1 Tim 4:16)
1. Two parts:
a. Take heed to thyself (Mat 5;19; Acts 1:1).
b. Take heed to thy teaching.
2. It reveals the preacher's responsibility.
3. It should be his guide.

II. Responsibilities to God.
1. To know the truth of God.
2. To love the truth of God.
3. To preach only the truth of God.
4. To live the truth of God.
5. People cannot separate a man and his message.

III. Responsibilities to the Church.
1. The Church is the great brotherhood of Christians.
2. It stands for the Bible truth.
3. Gospel preachers represent the brotherhood.
4. Must represent it fairly.
5. Many misrepresent it.
6. Such ought to get out of it.
7. They have no right to enjoy its honors and at the same time misrepresent it.

IV. Responsibilities to Hearers.
1. Must give them the truth.
2. They need the truth of God.
3. Preacher is debtor to hearers (Rom 1:14).
4. All responsibilities of a teacher to a pupil rests upon the gospel preacher.
5. Live as an example (1 Tim 4:12).

There is a lot for those of us who preach to consider.

Scott

Revelation and Perseverance

Monday I attended an area preacher's meeting at 6th Avenue church of Christ in Jasper, Alabama. Levi Sides and Vance Hutton both handed each of us a stack of outlines to study. One of these outlines is an old outline of Revelation based on the idea of perseverance. I am going to have to take time to study this outline more, but I thought you might enjoy it as well.

Revelation: Perseverance Challenged!
I. Perseverance challenged with earthly trials (Rev 1-11)
A. Christ's presence encourages perseverance (Rev 1-3)
B. The world's persecutions threaten perseverance (Rev 4-7)
C. God's judgments strengthen perseverance (Rev 8-11)

II. Perseverance challenged with spiritual conflict (Rev 12-22)
A. Perseverance is needed because of the great conflict between good and evil. (Rev 12-14)
B. Perseverance marks those who are truly God's children (Rev 15-16)
C. Perseverance triumphs over persecution, deceit, and worldliness (Rev 17-19)
D. Perseverance will stand triumphant in eternity (Rev 20-22)

Blessed is the one that OVERCOMES!

Scott

When I Preach

Last Thursday on iPreach, I mentioned the following poem about preaching. After a search on Google, I found the entire poem, but was unable to find the author's name. If any one knows or finds out, please leave a comment and I will give credit where credit is definitely do.

When I Preach
(Unknown)

When I preach, there are some who say
They could listen to me all day.
Others think I preach too long.
And some think I go about it wrong.
Some say my sermon is much too deep.
To others, it's shallow and they go to sleep.
Some report I hold them spell bound,
While others squirm and look around.

Some speak of me as an orator,
But others feel I'm a perfect bore.
Some believe I have no light,
And others think I preach just right.
Some affirm that I'm too bold,
Others wink and say I'm cold.

Some used to say I was much too young.
But others declare my spring has sprung!
Some folks tell I have met success.
Others think my work is a mess.
Some have said my pay is too low,
When they discover the pace I go.
Still others say it is above the peak,
"Why he only works three hours a week."

From all this, 'tis plain to see.
That as a preacher, I'm up a tree.
Condemned if I do, condemned if I don't;
Criticized if I will, criticized if I won't.
I can't please men of such discord,
So I'll just keep trying to please the Lord.

A Model of Ministry

A Model of Ministry

Last Thursday, Sept 17, Adam Faughn posted a blog I authored concerning the Church and the Pulpit. There was a lot more that I wanted to say; the following model of ministry is some of the extra material I think is valid for all ministers. This model is a practical example of the philosophy of ministry discussed in the previous chapters. This ministry model grew out of a lecture given by Randy Stephens at the FHU Lectures in the year 2000. I weekly strive to put these principles in practice

1.Build Credibility. Remember that relationships matter and that in ministry we should involve ourselves in the lives of people. Work side by side, not only in evangelism but also digging ditches. Attend sporting and school events in the community to show members and their friends your genuine interest in their lives. Have integrity and deal with people honestly.

2.Go Long Term. Remember the statement from Ruth to Naomi and Christ to his followers, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” Cultivate, fertilize, plant, water and wait for growth in people and in the church. The relationship of minister and congregation is often like marriage, it gets better over time.

3.Remember that God Looks at What We Can Become, Not What We Are. God is patient with you, therefore, be patient with his people. Look at what the congregation can become. While teaching and encouraging change remember that how you say something is as important as what you say.

4.Stay with the Text. Go through the Bible as you preach and teach. Use exposition wisely, letting the Bible speak and answer questions.

5.Know That People Still Want to See Jesus. Point to Christ not to yourself. Jesus is an attractive charismatic person, let people see Him and follow.

6.Pray Continually. Paul tells the Thessalonians to “pray with out ceasing.” Ministry cannot occur where God’s power is lacking, and pray is our connection with the power of God. Pray for the church, for people, for souls, for self, and pray for wisdom and strength. This will result in good that you may never know about.

7.Be Responsible. You are responsible to the people, not for them. You are there as a servant to help them grow closer to God through Christ. You are responsible to the eldership of your congregation, and ultimately you are responsible to God.

8.Challenge Christians. Christians need challenges to grow or they will sit idle and wither on the vine. Help the congregation set physical, financial, and spiritual growth goals. Help them set and meet evangelistic goals.

9.Teach and Live Delayed Gratification. Sports heroes do not develop overnight and neither do mature Christians. Help people see their growth and not only their short-comings

10.Welcome New Ideas and Insights. Be teachable and malleable yourself. Allow those around you to teach you and help you grow. Spend time in God’s Word and with him in solitude. Ministers must continue to grow, mature, and learn if they are to effectively teach others.

11.Be Balanced. Behold the goodness and severity of God. Teach the love of God and teach the wrath of God. Show how these go hand in hand.

Application of the above suggestions, living as a Christian should in love with God and in love with man goes a long way in making ministry the life of diligent service it should be.

Scott

Instructional Models

Yesterday we explored learning styles, today I want us to take that a step farther as we discuss Instructional Models. There are in my experience four basic models: 1) Large Group Instruction, 2) Small Group Instruction, 3) Individual (one on one) Instruction, and 4) Private (Self-Guided) Instruction.

Taking these models into the Church setting, here is where they fit in.

Large Group Instruction is the area that we excel in. We gather each Sunday and during our worship time one man stands before the entire congregation and presents a lesson. This basic format of this lesson is lecture. Some use visual illustrations, bullet filled computer projected outlines, or handouts to aid in learning. We use a similar format in large adult classes. We also have meetings, lectureships, and revivals that follow this pattern.

Small Group Instruction is a second area we emphasize. Each Sunday and then again midweek, many gather for Bible Classes. These classes are smaller groups divided by age and interest and the can include lecture, handouts, and participation that reaches all three learning styles. Some churches spread out into homes on Sunday evenings with the goal of creating a smaller environment for better learning.

Every preacher, elder, and Bible class teacher of my childhood, teen, and adult years encouraged us as students to spend time in Private Study at home. There are Biblical passages that encourage the same - 2 Tim 2:15, "Do your best (ESV), Study (KJV), Be diligent (NKJ) to present yourselves approved unto God. . ." And do not forget those in Berea who "searched the Scriptures daily." This is a vital part of our growth.

The instructional model I skipped is the model I think EVERY Christian should pay more attention to; Individual or One on One Instruction. Look at these passages: Titus 2:3ff, 2 Tim 2:2. Women are to teach younger women, Christians are to teach others who can teach others. This is the area where real teaching takes place. This can include dealing with morality issues (Gal 6:1), apprenticeships (think of Paul taking Titus and Timothy with him or Jesus and the inner circle), and this is the model that best suits evangelism (Ananias and Saul, Philip and the Ethiopian, etc).

My challenge for you and me is that we improve on our one to one teaching and encouraging.

Scott

Ten Years and Counting

Ten years ago a young preacher, his wife, and 23 month old son left a good congregation in Niceville, Florida where he had served as Youth Minister and then Preaching Minister and head for a smaller, rural congregation in the Alabama Foothills of the Appalachians. Ten years ago the drove up the the building on the left nervous, but trusting in God that they had made a good decision and that God would bless them in this new work. Five years later that congregation moved into the new building on the right.

Yesterday, Amy, Andrew, and I celebrated ten years with the Church in Parrish, Alabama. God has blessed us in this work and every day we realize the blessings we have from this great group of Christians. Ten years ago 75 - 80 people assembled on that first Sunday in July, this past year an average of 140 assemble each Sunday. The leadership here planned for growth and with God's help we grew and I pray we continue to.

Yesterday, two men asked for prayers of the church. One, a family man, asked for prayers that he might be a better spiritual leader for his family. The second, a single man who fell away from Christ many years ago, stated that he needed to be restored to Christ and His church. What a great way to celebrate 10 years.

Keep praying for our work. We are praying for you. (Phil 1:3)

Scott

My Turning Point part III

If you did not read Tuesday and Wednesday's blog, go back and catch up. This is the conclusion of My Turning Point.

I did not know then how I would serve him, I just knew I would. During my Junior High School years, I planned to play off-side guard for the Boston Celtics and help guide them to World Championships. I would use the fame and fortune of stardom to help people in the name of God. By the end of my Sophomore year of High School I became aware that colleges were not looking for average skill level players. Add to that fact that a driver's license and a 1967 Mercury Comet that needed fuel and a few repairs required income, so basketball became a PE and backyard sport and I stopped playing on a team after that season. Now that hoop dreams were just that – dreams, I began to find enjoyment in biological sciences.

I began thinking back to the care I received in the hospital. I realized I could serve God as a Pediatrician, I might even make a little money too! I soaked up the information we learned in Anatomy and Physiology. My lab partner, who would be class Valedictorian wanted to be a Brain Surgeon (he is by the way), I was going to be a Pediatrician, and we fed off each other all year. Yet, I had concerns. All the schooling and the long hours of a medical doctor might interfere with regularly assembling with a congregation and may keep me too busy to serve the God the way I wanted too.

Then my English and American Literature teachers began placing a heavy challenge on us. They started making us write – every week! We had to expound poetry, review novels, write research papers, compose reactions to the papers of other students, and write about current events. This may not seem pivotal, but when career day came our guidance counselors suggested that we look at what we wrote about and what we enjoy reading about to help us determine what we might want to do with our lives. Somehow, every other paper I wrote brought in a spiritual point, even a paper on Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. My English teacher gave me the highest marks she could on my research paper entitled, “The Existence of God.” There was a theme evident in my writing.

God kept showing through. Like Jeremiah who said, “If I say, 'I will not mention Him, or speak anymore in His name,' there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot,” (Jer 20:9 – ESV), I could not help but mention the God who delivered me. I still cannot. Could I serve God as a Pediatrician? Yes! But not full time. Not the way I felt he deserves from me. I knew I could have a greater impact for God by using my gift of communication. I wanted to use my talents to point people to Him and his saving power (Rom 1:16). By my Senior year, I determined to preach. That is how I could serve God to the best of my ability, I was fulfilling a promise made a decade earlier. I am still trying to keep my promise.

What about you? Here is something for you to think about: How will you use the events and opportunities in your life for God? (cf. Eph 5:15-16; Col 4:5).

Have a great day! Thanks for letting me share!
Scott