Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. James 3:1
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at my home church. It’s not like I had never done it before. Years ago I pastored a small church and preached every week. Since then I have often done a teaching or even a teaching series.
Nonetheless, I didn’t sleep well on Saturday night. I was nervous as Sunday service time approached. When I stepped up to the pulpit the lights seemed particularly bright. I thought it would be a good idea to break the ice and calm down by introducing my family who was sitting together on one row. I couldn’t remember my daughter-in-law’s first name. Instead of calming me down, I was then afraid I would forget my wife’s or one of my grand kid’s name. Luckily, I got the rest of the names right and once I got into it my nervousness evaporated and I never even felt either my replaced or still need to be replaced knee during the entire time.
The event was a great reminder of the importance and responsibility of teaching in church. I was able to spend lots of time on my subject and presentation. I had thought about the topic for a couple of years. It made me think about those who step up to the pulpit every week. I understand the pressure of hitting a home run every week.
I will spend more time in the future praying for those who preach for a living. I will pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I will pray that the job never become routine or taken for granted. I will pray for wisdom, passion and patience.
For those who warm the pews, I will pray for open ears, patience and understanding. I hope they will understand the pressures and challenges involved. I will hope that church members will not expect their pastors to provide all of their biblical learning. I pray they will understand that we all have responsibility for what we learn and for what we do.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share the word and pray that I would never take that for granted.
Be blessed.
Nick
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