pastoral expectations

[webdog]

I had indicated that some preachers by design and cooperation of their congregation devote themselves exclusively to the ministry of the Word. Large churches with a good-sized staff of elders and deacons do the vistion and administravive duties.

I'm from a Plymouth Brethren background originally. And some of the teachings still apply. The church is a body. It should not center around one man --THE preacher. I believe in the plurality of elders (and deacons for that matter). Shepherding of the flock is not the exclusive task of one man.

I see now what you are saying and can appreciate that vantage point. Our church also has a plurality of elders. I do think duties should be shared, however. All elders have the same requirements and need to be able to teach (preach).

I wouldn't characterize sermons as speeches. Two sermons per week are time-consuming in preparation and invaluable for the lives of the saints.

I wish most sermons weren't speeches, but that is what they tend to come across as.

 

[Mexdeaf]

Bailey Smith said some years ago that what this world needs is pulpits full of men who have been to the cross and have never gotten over it.

Great statement. Some weeks it requires more time to prepare me for the sermon than it does for me to prepare the sermon.

But anyone who has never "been there, done that" can understand. I couldn't, until I became a pastor.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

He had plenty of supernatural understanding and power at that point. How many hours did he prepare for his sermon?

Probably at least three days. And, as I indicated much earlier in this thread, he had spent three years at the feet of the Master, learning everything that he spoke that day.

 

[DHK]

He had plenty of supernatural understanding and power at that point. How many hours did he prepare for his sermon?

three plus years.

 

[webdog]

three plus years.

So he locked himself in his study for over 3 years? If you mean his life application and knowledge of Christ and His Word, I agree...and believe that is the same approach that should be taken today.

 

[DHK]

So he locked himself in his study for over 3 years? If you mean his life application and knowledge of Christ and His Word, I agree...and believe that is the same approach that should be taken today.

Go back to the sermon on the Day of Pentecost.
First, they were told to wait there. While waiting Peter had plenty of time to pray and spend time in God's Word.
In the first part of chapter one we find 120 disciples all praying together.
Then the Day of Pentecost "fully came," and they were all filled with the Spirit. Peter preached. Note in Peter's sermon that he had no trouble, without notes, making exact quotes from Joel 2:28ff, quoting Psalm 110, and other OT references. His message was full of OT quotations. He didn't have any written notes; his tablet or I-pad; or even a NT for that matter. But his message was filled with Scripture and the application of it.
It was obvious that he had spent time in prayer and Bible study and was consequently "filled with the Holy Spirit."

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

...and believe that is the same approach that should be taken today.

That's the purpose of seminary -- to enable that focus in the life of those called to pastor.