As one "Pulpit Minister" who has been "on the field" since 1967 - I keep learning of ways to communicate the gospel. I have listed below some points which I consider is worth pondering by "Pulpit Ministers".

 

1) Realize that the average person in the pew is different than you, as  they  have  employment facing them daily, families which usually

come first, involvement in community activities.
2) Recognize  that most church-goers are not "into" the Bible daily,

and they expect you to be a specialist on it.
3) Avoid using the terminology, "The Hebrew or the Greek says...".
4) Shun being "too deep" in lessons and sermons. A preacher should be able to notice when the flock is bored. The pew is not a Bible College classroom.
5) Constantly "read the congregation". If clock-watching, and snoozing, snoring, and falling out of a pew, re-evaluate yourself.
6) Shun using negative terminology concerning styles, and fads.
7) Avoid name calling of religious groups and "cutting-down" their religious beliefs.
8) Preach the truth, but always do it in the spirit of love.
9) Keep your voice up, so that all can hear you - but don’t scream.
10) Give the flock time to locate Scriptures to be read. Always quote the verse at lease twice. If various translations are used state what version you are reading from and state the number of the verse being read, as you read aloud.
11) Do not roam all over the Bible and use 100 different Scriptures.
12) Start and stop on time. A 20 minute well done sermon is far better than a 45 minute bungled or repetitious one.
13) If all present are known to be Christians, don’t preach on salvation, but provide the saints with meat for their souls.
14) Dress properly.
15) Act like a representative of God.
16) At "Invitation Time", do not linger and drag it out.
17) Consider why attendance is declining.

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18) Provide a "Comment Box" so that the flock can make suggestions.
19) Avoid "Pet Terms" and the usage of them repeatedly.
20) When asking a question allow time for the student to answer.
21) Keep current: Use updated Bible versions, illustrations, clothing styles, equipment, technology, etc.
22) Use variety in the Services.
23) Don’t "drag-out" the Prayer List.
24) Attend various seminars, clinics, retreats to keep refreshed.
25) When you give a person a job, let them do it.
26) Be open to the views of others.
27) When visitors do not return, attempt to find out why not. Realize that everyone does not appreciate visitors, so don’t make a pest of yourself.
28) Include the "Plan Of Salvation" in your sermons, but don’t "pound" on it in every sermon.
29) Many people like a booklet and handouts at Bible Class Period.
30) Recognize that you are expected to do the impossible, and with God’s help - you can!
31) Realize each of us has different talents. If yours does not happen to be in singing - stay in the background.
32) Remember you can not please everyone, so just do your best.
33) Bear in mind that you must always keep confidence, people are trusting you to do this.
34) Don’t argue! State your point and add relevant scripture, then "fade out".
35) When tempted to debate, ask yourself, is it doctrine or my opinion. If it’s opinion - better to remain silent.

May church members be praying for the "Pulpit Minister", and understand how God used people with various backgrounds to be in His service. Everyone has a preacher or minister except the "Pulpit Minister". He is someone special: appointed, ordained, chosen, designated, commissioned, and assigned to lead in a manner like no one else. May he understand his calling and may every Christian strive to labor with him in the greatest work in the world.

 

KYOWVA  Evangelistic Association * 1541 S. 7th Street * Ironton, OH   45638

Web Page: www.kyowva.com * Free Bible Course Upon Request