DESCIBE THE PREACHER'S ROLE AND LEADERSHIP POSITION WITHIN THE LORD'S CHURCH.





First:
The preacher has the same responsibilities as any other member of Christ’s body. He is not excused from any Christian duty simply because he is the preacher.
Second:
The specific role of a preacher is described as an evangelist within the Bible. The New Testament describes this position as a leadership role within the church. Titus and Timothy are called to be leaders within their congregations. However, this leadership role goes only as far as, the kinds of things they are authorized to do, they have the Word in their hands. In (Titus 1:5) and (1 Timothy 4:14) we see that a preacher may appoint elders, but then he is subject to their leadership authority as stated within the Bible.

Third:
The preacher’s role is not authoritative unless he is teaching/ preaching. Furthermore, it is the Word of God that gives them this authority.The preacher must teach the Word of God and cannot go beyond it or limit it.

Forth:
How does an evangelist’s 'teaching' role differ from the elders 'teaching' role? Elders are involved with teaching and matters of judgment and decision-making for the congregation. The evangelist specifically teaches and connects the Word of God to the hearts of the people within that congregation. So, exercising authority is not listed among the descriptions of work an evangelist does, except as it applies to the express teachings of scripture (1 Tim. 4:11-16)

While there is no specific list of qualifications given as to whom may be an evangelist, there are various characteristics found within the scriptures that this person must demonstrate.

Spiritual discipline (1 Tim. 4:7)

(1) Their lives are on display
(2) Responsibility to live in ways that are appropriate
(3) Spend the time to study God’s Word and do a great job
(4) Primary responsibility is to teach and proclaim the Word of God
(5) The preacher will be called upon to visit the sick and needy as any Christian is exhorted to do. But, his primary role is to preach.
This does not necessarily mean preaching just on Sunday mornings. He can study, teach and preach anywhere and anytime. However, if his fundamental role of proclaiming God’s Word is being limited, then the “other stuff” he’s being asked to do needs to be limited.
(6) An “office preacher” is not seen in the Bible either. The preacher is to be out among the people as much as possible with those whom he’s supposed to be proclaiming God’s Word.
(7) Teach authoritatively (1 Tim 4:11, 13 – command – authoritative tone) and confidently (Titus 3:8)
(8) The preacher’s authoritative tone (and his authority in general) comes from teaching within the Word. He stands behind the Word of God.

Moreover, the confidence is not a matter of self-confidence, the gift of gab or orator skills. It is about having confidence in knowing you are well-versed in the Word of God. The preacher loves people so much he’s got to tell them something that will benefit their souls. Now, if you can do it in such a way that takes advantage of your talents and skills (communication, people skills, leadership abilities, etc.) then glory be to God!

Be an example (1 Timothy 4:12)

(1) People watch the preacher and look at him as an example and for direction. While it is not Biblical, the preacher is often put in a position of assuming the public face/image of the church. Whether it’s fair or not, he needs to accept this responsibility.
(2) He needs to pay attention to both his life and his teaching (1 Timothy 4:16)
(3) He needs to warn the unruly (Titus 3:10)
(4) Thus, he needs to be interacting with the congregation (building relationships) in order to know something about them. He’s got to put himself out there in order to stop something that is spiritually destructive.


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