“A Firm But Gentle Hand”

Monday, May 13, 2013

I was beginning to preach, and I started preaching on the usual "God loves you" sermons, but gradually I began to gear toward what you may call "sinful nature" sermons, and I began to preach sermons on gambling, smoking, pornography, sex before marriage, etc.  At first, the brethren were glad to see me preaching on these things, but eventually, they all pulled me aside and told me that I was upsetting the church.  Even though they agreed that I was preaching the truth, they didn't want to hear me preaching on these things... especially smoking.  Not one time did I ever say that "_____ is sin" – but rather, using Christ's way to let people study and think for themselves about how God views us doing certain things.  Was I wrong for preaching on this, and are "God loves you" sermons all the church wants to hear now?

Sincerely,
Beginning Minister

Dear Beginning Minister,

Preaching is an honorable and difficult profession.  Paul warned Timothy that it would take patience, gentleness, (2 Tim 2:24) and boldness to preach (2 Tim 1:7).  All preaching involves hardship (2 Tim 1:8).  We are sorry to hear of the frustrations you are facing – it is a noble thing to preach… there is also a learning curve.  Your problem may be caused by a number of different factors:

1. Preaching requires balance.  It is important that we preach the whole gospel (Acts 20:27).  Balance in preaching is one of the most difficult challenges for preachers.  Even the most seasoned veteran finds himself leaning too far toward one type of sermon or another.  The congregation may be trying to tell you that it is time to move toward other topics.  That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like hard preaching… but moderation is necessary.  The sum of God’s Word is truth (Ps 119:160).
2. It hurts when a sermon steps on our toes.  It may be that some people in the congregation don’t like the harder preaching because it is hitting too close to home.  It might be appropriate to continue to show boldness (Eph 6:19)… it might also be appropriate to show gentleness and back off from these issues for a while (Pr 15:4).
3. Your age and experience may be influencing your ability to preach on these topics.  It is unfortunate, but youth does make it harder for people to listen (1 Tim 4:12).  It takes time to show yourself as an example of faith, love, and purity.  In our youth, we bear burdens that bear fruit later on in our preaching careers (Lam 3:27).

Your problem is probably caused by a combination of all of these factors.  The answer is to surround yourself with wisdom.  In a multitude of counselors, there is safety (Pr 15:22).  Since you are just starting in your preaching, ask advice from other older and wiser preachers that you trust.  Get counsel from those in the congregation that you respect… preferably the eldership.  If they all feel that you need to continue to pointedly address these sin issues, you can feel confident when you get in the pulpit and do so.  If they have a different perspective, then you will be able to (with a clear conscience) change topics and know that you are doing the right thing.  Surround yourself with wise counselors, and Lord willing, you will have years of good service ahead of you.

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