Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Saints
The Role of the Preacher
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to compare modern views of the minister to the biblical description of that role. Included in this lesson are the qualifications and work of a local evangelist
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the various biblical leadership roles and their relationship to one another.
- Feel: Recognize the necessity for effective leadership in the Church.
- Do: Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in the Church.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Answers will vary but look for a preacher who focuses on proclaiming and teaching God's word to others similar to the role of the preacher found in scripture.
Note that because of their public role, preachers are often seen as the primary leader in a congregation. Preachers must be careful not to go beyond their given authority as ministers of the word. The Bible teaches that elders oversee the congregation not preachers.
- Minister – to serve in any capacity, but in this context, someone leading worship.
- Preacher – This term has transitioned from one who called an assembly together to now one who delivers a sermon or lesson during scheduled assemblies.
- Evangelist – Originally it referred to one who announced good news. It became one who proclaims the gospel (aka good news). It also applies to someone who preaches at special events such as a gospel meeting but not involved in local, full-time work.
There are no specified qualifications for preachers as there are for elders and deacons. However, as a minimum, a person in this role must a Christian, male (I Timothy 2:12-15), knowledgeable of scripture, and able to teach. Additional qualifications include feeling compelled (called) for this demanding role, trained in how to serve in the role, commended (set aside) for the role by a congregation's leadership. Include also a dedication to pure living since his life will be an open book for others to read.
- Preach the gospel – This is a primary function of a preacher. Whether paid as a professional or as a volunteer, this identifies him in this role. All of us should be ready to proclaim the gospel as we are able.
- Set the church in order – The elders are responsible to lead, teach, and minister to a congregation. Deacons are responsible to manage and serve in specified capacities. Sometimes roles within a congregation drift away from the model of the apostles in the first century and need to be guided back into compliance with God's word. The preacher is in a position to assist with this. However, it is the responsibility of the elders to ensure a congregation stays true to God's word and to correct situations that might be out of alignment with scripture. All of us should be on guard to ensure we comply with God's will in our own lives and support those who guide and lead us.
- Minister the word – This is to serve God's word by teaching the truth of scripture. This includes ministering to the spiritual needs of members so as to help them grow spiritually. In this role, the preacher partners with elders but not above that of elders. Again, all of us minister to one another as we have the capacity and ability. In doing so, we honor God, encourage spiritual growth, and aid in the faithfulness of each other.
Within a congregation there are many identified roles. Some are formal and have specified qualifications such as elders, deacons and preachers. Other roles are open to all as we have the ability to serve our Lord and one another. We should seek to serve as we are called and to grow in that capacity. We should also seek to support and encourage all who serve, especially those that lead and teach us.