Ministering while you Preach

In Luke 10 - Jesus gives a triad of messages that served multiple needs

They depict God as caring for every soul

They depict lostness as being horrible

They are to us as the ones safe at home

And they show the value of each individual. 

Jesus ministered and through these stories still ministers to every person who hears these stories and feels like a lost coin, a lost sheep, or a lost child. 

In His preaching Jesus ministered. It is possible to preach and get your point across but not get the point to stick because the people to whom you are preaching need ministered to in order to hear the point you are preaching. 

It starts with loving them from the pulpit. Jesus would see a crowd and be moved to compassion. I’m certain you are aware that your pulse is different, your words are more gentle parsed, your vocal inflection changed when you talk to those you love deeply. When you preach, do you sound like someone who loves the people you are preaching to?

There’s Rick whose wife died during the pandemic. His wife had led him to Christ. He was already a baby Christian, and then that. He was one of our last 10% to return. The first Sunday he came in was so hard. My heart both thrilled and hurt the first Sunday he came back. 

Then there’s Susan, her mom had respiratory issues pre-COVID and they did so well quarantining for a year. Then just a few months ago, she contacted COVID and died. Susan returned for the first time last Sunday. She wept throughout the service. It was not an easy day. I wanted to hug her from the pulpit. 

But for every Rick and Susan there are dozens who need to be loved from the pulpit. They are sitting your your audience as well. What a thrill to be blessed to do what we are blessed to do. Learn to minister as you preach and you will increase your impact for the Lord. May God bless you as you strive to preach like Jesus.