The Preacher: A Spiritual Man?

by Joel Stephen Williams

[Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published in Christian Bible Teacher in August 1989. It is reproduced here without any editing or updating. It is surprising to me, the author, how timely it still is more than thirty years later.]

What kind of man should a preacher be? With all of the recent scandals over immorality with televangelists, some assume most ministers have a shady side to them. The televangelist scandals are only the tip of the iceberg. Reports of immorality among preachers circulate with ever increasing frequency. The role of a minister is becoming more of a businessman than a man of God. Some of our training reflects this along with our hiring practices and the work environment. A modern preacher is a man who edits a bulletin, runs a photocopy machine, directs business meetings, and manages an office with its staff. Is this an adequate role for a gospel preacher? Are the essential elements of holiness being blurred?

A preacher should be a man of pure heart and conscience and a man of faith (1 Timothy 1:5,19). He should be a man of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1,8). He should be a man of sound doctrine, but not one devoted to petty arguments over trivialities (1 Timothy 1:3–7; 4:1–7; 6:20–21; 2 Timothy 2:14–16, 23; Titus 3:9). Godliness should be his aim (1 Timothy 4:7; 6:6). His conduct should be above reproach (1 Timothy 4:12). He should treat other people with proper tact and kindness (1 Timothy 5:1; Titus 3:2). His relationship with women should be one of complete purity (1 Timothy 5:2). He must be firm in rebuking sin and in preaching the truth (1 Timothy 5:20; 6:17–19; 2 Timothy 1:8, 13–14; 4:1–4; Titus 2:1–10, 15). He must not show favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21.). His leadership should be cautious and wise (1 Timothy 5:22).

A preacher should beware of becoming a greedy individual (1 Timothy 6:9–10). He should strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, and peace (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). He should always be concerned about keeping his reputation spotless (1 Timothy 6:14). If hardship is his lot in life, he should be willing to endure it (2 Timothy 2:3; 3:12; 4:5). The minister of God should put spiritual priorities first, rather than worldly pursuits and prestige (2 Timothy 2:4–7). His treatment of other people should be marked by kindness and humility, not a showing-off with arrogance (2 Timothy 2:24–25; Titus 3:2). He should be careful of the company he keeps (2 Timothy While education is worthwhile, a preacher should first and foremost be a man of THE book (2 Timothy 1;5; 2:15; 3:16–17).

I was told recently of a couple visiting another congregation. Their home congregation was between preachers, so they told the minister where they were visiting that the position was open. They asked him to pass that information along to any ministers whom he thought might be interested in the work. He asked a few questions about the work, the size of the congregation, location, salary, etc., and then arrogantly pronounced, “l do not know any preachers who would lower themselves to go there!” And this was not a struggling, small rural work of which he spoke, but a city congregation with a good eldership and an attendance of 400. Is the attitude he displayed that of a holy, devout man of God?

A minister called to inquire of an opening at a congregation. He asked only one question other than a general, “Tell me about the opening.” He only asked, “How much does it pay?' The only other comment he made was about how he had “outgrown” the smaller congregation with which he was working. He was too good for them now. Another minister moved to a different congregation and constantly bragged that he doubled his salary with the move, proudly predicting, “The next time I move, I will be getting over $100,000.” Elderships and congregations encourage this attitude. Larger congregations speak of their pulpit as a “big” pulpit and pursue the “right man” in terms of reputation and flashiness.

What is needed in ministerial training is a greater emphasis upon study of the Bible and devotion to God. Private devotion and prayer need to be a required part of the training. Professors need to be examples of and teachers of humility, simplicity, kindness, prayer, and spirituality. I have studied Bible under many teachers at five different universities. All of the men were intelligent and well-trained. By their example, however, some did not encourage my spiritual development. They had a cocky attitude and enjoyed showing off in front of students while jousting against windmills. Looking back, I have fonder feelings for those teachers who led us in prayer in class and dared to speak with emotion about their love for Jesus Christ as Lord.

Career goals of holiness, purity, and devotion to God should be primary for preachers, rather than knowing the right people, getting to speak at the right places, and building a career on selfishness and greed. Churches seeking a preacher should first inquire into a candidate's morality, his character, his faith, and his personal, inner devotion to God. I am still in shock by the first question of one eldership that was considering me for a work. They asked, “Steve, tell us how much time you spend in private in prayer.” They did not choose me, but I respect those elders to this day for their proper emphasis.