What Preachers Are And Are Not

What Preachers Are And Are Not

Confusion reigns in the religious world about most things relating to Christianity. At the top of the list is confusion about the role of preachers.

Preachers are men. Scripture says, “As in all the churches of the saints, let the women keep silence in the churches: for it not permitted unto them to speak...” (I Cor. 14:33-34). Most churches either don’t know, or refuse to accept this fact.
Preachers may or may not marry. Peter was married (I Cor. 9:5), Paul was not. Enforced celibacy is a “doctrine of demons” (I Tim. 4:1-3).
Preachers are proclaimers or teachers of God’s Word. Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy, “preach the word” (II Tim. 4:2). Evangelist and preacher both convey the thought of one sent forth with a message to proclaim.
Preachers are ministers (I Cor. 3:5). This term describes their role as servants of the congregation and its members. They serve; they do not “run” the church.
Preachers are not elders, pastors or bishops of the congregation. These terms all describe the leaders chosen by the members to oversee them. A man may spend his life as a preacher and never serve in that office. The congregation may ask him to serve as an elder, and he may accept, but it is a different task and in addition to his role and work as a preacher.
Preachers should not be called “Father.” Christ says, “Call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven “ (Matt. 23:8-9). Nowhere in Scripture are preachers called “Reverend.” Neither Christ nor the apostles were so called. Preachers should be addressed just as other brothers in Christ. Peter wrote of “brother Paul.” (II Pet. 3:15).
Preachers are not clergymen, superior to other Christians who are called laymen. In Scripture, all Christians are described as God’s kleros or clergy (Eph. 1:11) and all are called laos, the lay-people of God (Tit. 2:14).
Preachers do not wear special garments to distinguish them from other Christians. Jesus condemned the Jewish scribes “who desired to walk in long robes” and sought special recognition (Luke 20:46).
How simple and plain is the religion of Jesus. Christians gladly accept the simplicity of the gospel and practice it. To experience undenominational Christianity, visit the Church of Christ near you.

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