By Jeff Faull
Recent trends showing an increasing number of empty pulpits and fewer people in the preaching pipeline have spawned necessary conversations throughout our movement. One of those discussions occurred in a January/February 2022 Christian Standard article by Chris Moon called “The Ministry Pipeline.” Moon described the realities of the future preaching landscape if the current trends continue or even worsen in Restoration churches. His conclusions call for decisive action.
When Dr. Gary Johnson, executive director of e2:effective elders, read that article, he immediately challenged his team at e2 to consider producing a “preaching primer.” Some may remember Don DeWelt’s little book, If You Want to Preach, written nearly 65 years ago. His book helped many aspiring preachers. But Johnson envisioned a fresh resource for basic instruction on homiletics that could be used by anyone interested in preaching, but also one that would be designed especially with the preaching elder in mind. In this way, elders could be trained to help fill the need being created by this diminishing pipeline.
The apostle Paul said, “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible).
It appears that these “preaching elders” were elders who had some unique and expanded responsibilities as shepherds. Paul seems to suggest that role.
1. “Elders who lead well” suggests unique or expanded Competency roles (i.e., organizational leadership).
2. “Worthy of double honor” suggests unique or expanded Compensation realities (financial implications).
3. “Work hard” suggests unique or expanded Capacity reservoirs (that is, high-capacity leaders).
4. “Preaching and teaching” suggests unique or expanded Communication responsibilities (that is, public speaking).
5. Beyond these, Peter’s use of “fellow elder” in 1 Peter 5:1 suggests unique or expanded Colleague ramifications (perhaps a leader among peers).
While this entire description might better describe the man who functions as the “lead minister,” the last phrase of 1 Timothy 5:17, “preaching and teaching,” could also point to a need that multiple elders might meet, especially in churches that are struggling to find a preacher. This is the primary purpose for producing a new “preaching primer.”
Consequently, The Preaching Elder: Refilling the Preaching Pipeline was published a few months ago and is now available through e2. The efforts were generously underwritten by CDF Capital and the project was undertaken by six e2 authors: Dr. Gary Johnson, Dr. Jim Estep, Dr. David Roadcup, Ken Idleman, Dr. Billy Strother, Tom Ellsworth, and Jeff Faull. Each chapter begins with an undergirding quote from Scripture before diving into the components of preaching.
After its introductory chapter, the book includes chapters on seven key issues related to preaching:
Calling: How to know God’s call to preach his Word
Studying: How to study the text to determine its meaning
Applying: How to apply the text to everyday life
Illustrating: How to illustrate the text using stories, anecdotes, and illustrations
Beginning and Ending: How to begin and end with good introductions and conclusions
Delivering: How to deliver the message and connect with the audience
Abiding: How to live a well-ordered life to maintain moral integrity
In addition, the book includes QR codes containing free supplemental video lectures from each author, as well as their sample preaching demonstration videos. Space also is provided for written reflection and notes provided in each section.
As helpful as this resource can be, it is only Stage 1 in the prescribed elder preaching process set forth in the book. Stage 2 involves the previously mentioned supplemental video lectures on each chapter and the video sermons from the authors based in various genres of Scripture. Stage 3 is an in-person preaching clinic offered by e2. Finally, Stage 4 is a more formal preaching study program from one of our colleges or seminaries that could be done either as academic audit or for credit.
This book could be used for an introductory textbook in churches that are training preachers or for individual elders or other individuals wanting to help fill the void and preach the Word. The Preaching Elder is one of many ways to help address the shortage of preachers as we move forward with the gospel. But it may prove to be a very effective biblical strategy for the future of the church.
Jeff Faull serves as senior minister of Mt. Gilead Church, Mooresville, Ind., and on the board of directors with e2.
Learn more about The Preaching Elder: Refilling the Preaching Pipeline, at e2’s website.
Appears to be a needed resource in many ways as it seems solid preaching has fallen on tough times. Even with those young men going into vocational ministry, few give preaching the attention it deserves.
So happy and excited to hear about this much-needed resource. I have been concerned about where the next generation of preachers would be developed as the traditional Bible college is struggling in this area. With the Russell School of Ministry, as well as others of this type, and now this resource, I think I am beginning to see an answer to this concern.