Time with a friend.

I spent a little over 4 hours yesterday with a friend. Our paths had really crossed many time before we ever got to know each other about fifteen years ago but since it is amazing the connections: Ted Burleson has been preaching in a Gospel Meeting at the Old Lasea church this week. By the way, the Old Lasea congregation is 170 years old!

Listen to this: Ted was born in and grew up in Hamilton, Alabama. So was I. He went to Freed-Hardeman. So did I. He worked with WERH radio. I did some work with them as well. He now preaches at the Hamilton church. So did I. (In fact Hamilton it rather unique among congregations its size - I know of five of its preachers through the years who have grown up there). His son Doug worked with me at Granny White. Now my son Andrew work with him at Hamilton. My sons were in his older sons youth group. His younger son was roommates with my sons in college.

In our visit today I remembered why I love and feel so blessed to be close to so many good preachers. Ted is a remarkable man. He has his Doctorate, 30 years of experience in his field, he is a compassionate counselor, has taught in three of our christian colleges, served on several boards, is a man of considerable influence - yet he exudes humility, concern and grace. He’d not want all this said, he’d pass it off by talking about how much better others are than him, how he has just been fortunate and blessed and how he wishes he could do more for the Lord.

It was a wonderful time of sharing, catching up, mutual encouraging and brotherhood and got me to thinking.

I’m told in the church that we are loosing 300 preachers a year. Our mid-size congregations are having a horrible time finding good preachers - most of them taking an average of about a year to fill an empty pulpit. Monday I learned of two preachers who were released: One, who had given almost two decades of his life to that congregation was told upon his “being allowed to resign” that they “didn’t have to give him a reason for letting him go”. The other the elders wrote this about him: “We want the congregation to understand that ______’s work of always preaching the truth in love, and of his drive to minister among the church family is very much appreciated and respected. In addition, we state to the church, that ____’s personal devotion, his exemplary character, and his Christian example has always been above reproach. We love him for this”. Oh, and by the way, YOU’RE FIRED (I added that part, but it’s the truth). Sad thing is, these sorts of things are not rare...or new.

And we wonder why we have a hard time getting our young men to consider preaching. Who’d want to put their wife and kids through that sort of thing? Especially our many talented young people.

Just a few thoughts and I’ll step down off my soap box:

Preaching brothers:
We’ve got to stop the foolish jealousies. Yes, we will see opinions, texts and decisions differently, but let’s be “bent toward unity” and toward believing the best about each others motives, not suspicious over silly matters. Let’s spent a little time every day praying for and supporting each other. I consider any time I spend encouraging preachers a part of my work for the Lord’s church. We need each other. And guys, I’ll go on record here to commit to doing all I can to encourage you.
Take some time away: God didn’t work seven days a week and you shouldn’t either. Rest, recreate and re-create. Ted reminded me yesterday of Stephen Covey’s “saw” illustration yesterday. We need to be sharpened. And if the church fires your for taking care of your own life and your family - you can find another place. Trust me - go to “the scoop blog” and just scroll through it.
Pray that the Lord will make you better for the work you are to do. Then you do your work. Study with others, study for yourself, continue to prepare yourself.

Members:
Encourage your preacher, I know he’s not as sharp as the guy who just held your last meeting or as compassionate as one of your former preachers (memories a funny thing), but he is what you have and if you will strive to encourage him you’ll probably be amazed. I don’t care how long he’s preached, how old he is, or how tough he seems - he needs and wants to be encouraged. And don’t take him for granted - anniversaries are important, I think they help keep us from taking the important people in our life for granted.
There are people who make it their habit to hate or to be in conflict with preachers - they are in your congregation. Yes, they are. So why not be the counter to them?

Elders:
Be a fan of the preacher of the gospel. It will go miles if you will just treat him fairly. No, we’re not all good guys but be decent. At least treat him as a Christian.

Thanks Ted for reminding me of what a good friend you are.

“how beautiful are the feet...”

I am blessed to preach and to know some of the greatest people in the world, my fellow preachers of the gospel (forgive me, I’m a Jenkins, I can’t help but love preachers :)). That’s my take for today, I’d like to see your comments - I think :)