Young preacher tips from another era

 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

Todays second lesson in the Daily Office was 1 Timothy 4:1-16.  It is from Paul’s letter to the young preacher Timothy.  I picked out the last five verses because they spoke to me as a young preacher (which was years ago) and now as someone who serves in the church but earns his keep elsewhere.

I think Paul’s words to Timothy centuries ago still apply to those who lead the church, especially young or newly minted pastors-

Set an example- you might be young or new at the job, but you have something to offer even the oldest of curmudgeons.  Your conduct, your love for the congregation, your steadfastness of faith, and your purity will all enrich the congregation.

Pay attention to the main things- Public reading of scripture, exhorting, teaching.  Lifting the scriptures up to folks, encouraging them, teaching them the way of the Gospel.  These are essential practices for the new preacher.

Do not neglect the gift that is inside you- You didn’t get to this point as a leader in the church without having jumped through lots of hoops and accountability to lots of folks.  Do what you have been called to do, by the authority given to you.  Find ways to let that God-given talent loose.  Put it into practice (This is actually a strong word for any of us who have ever been called).

Pay attention to self and to your teaching- When you are consciously trying to grow in the faith, while helping others to grow, you experience the wholeness of God.  Teaching others the Christian life while acknowledging your own need for growth leads to the experience of salvation for you and those whom you teach. 

May you be blessed, and be a blessing…