Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you to preach faithfully, clearly, and better.
As a young preacher, “Preaching Through a Storm,” by H. Beecher Hicks. It is about how the author navigated ministry conflict and the sermons he preached during that season. The last chapter is entitled “Storms Keep Coming.” As a young man, I thought that was cynical. But, after decades of pastoral work, I’m convinced he’s right. Storms keep coming! You are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or heading into a storm.
How do you preach through a storm?
Adopt a biblical philosophy of ministry. Ministry storms will devastate you if your view of ministry is fleshly, worldly, or unbiblical. If you cling to faulty ministry perspectives, the tempests will wipe you out. Adopt a biblical philosophy of ministry.
Choose your battles wisely. It is a rookie mistake to fight every battle. Not every hill is worth dying on. Make sure you choose your battles wisely. Keep your convictions clear. Know where you stand and why. Only fight battles worth fighting.
Prioritize your devotional life. Your private time with God is an anchor for the soul. By communion with God daily and preaching the gospel to yourself, you resist the temptation to base your personal identity on your ministerial position.
Adopt a long-haul view of ministry. The gospel works. It does not, however, work according to our timetables. Preach the word with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Remain faithful over the long haul to fulfill your ministry.
Practice Christlikeness. Pray for the cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and that it would be displayed in how you react to difficult people and circumstances. Never let anyone make you act like you don’t know Jesus.
Get godly counsel. Surround yourself with wise, godly, praying people. These kinds of relationships are not nurtured easily or automatically. Build good relationships while the sun is shining. Seek good counsel when the story is raging.
Love your enemies. This is the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be those who wrong you, mistreat you, and work against you. But don’t just love those to whom you preach. Love those to whom you preach – even your enemies.
Don’t take it personally. This is hard-won advice that is not easy to accomplish. But it’s worth it! View yourself as one who is under divine assignment and authority. Trust the Lord to have your back. Even when it’s personal, don’t take it personally.
Preach the word. Don’t preach your agenda. Don’t use the sermon to snipe at your enemies. Don’t take shots from the pulpit. Preach the word in season and out of season. Biblical preaching may get you into trouble, but it will also get you out of trouble.
HBC2 RESOURCES:
- On Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Pastoring by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Worship by H.B. Charles Jr.
- It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr.
- The Difference Jesus Makes by H.B. Charles Jr.
- Treasures of Truth by H.B. Charles Jr.
