The Preacher’s Job Description

Articles

Derek Long
09/20/20 - Leaders

The Preacher’s Job Description By Derek Long

The work of a preacher or evangelist is spoken about in 2 Timothy 4:5. In order for men to perform this work, it is essential for them to understand what is involved in being a preacher or evangelist. The books of 1&2 Timothy and Titus contain for us instructions given to preachers and help us see the sort of things God expects for them to do. The work of a preacher or evangelist could be summarized by the short statement, “Preach the word!” contained in 2 Timothy 4:2. It would appear most of the other instructions given to Timothy and Titus in the letters addressed to them could be elaborations upon that basic command or things they are going to need to do in order to carry out the command successfully. What are some more specific aspects to the work of an evangelist or preacher? A preacher is to live a life of exemplary godliness (1 Timothy 1:5, 18-19; 4:7, 12, 16; 5:22; 6:11, 14; 2 Timothy 2:5, 22; Titus 2:7). He will be careful not to become entangled with the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4). He should be a man who spends time in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8) and in the study of God’s word (1 Timothy 4:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:15). He is committed to holding fast to sound doctrine and encouraging others to do likewise (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:14; Titus 2:1, 7-8). He is aware of the threat of error, watches out for error, and warns others about error (1 Timothy 4:1-6; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). He is able to recognize questions or things which are not deserving of his attention (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 23; Titus 3:9). He is willing to work hard (even in less than ideal circumstances) and suffer for the cause of Christ (1 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2:3; 4:5). His primary focus as was noted in the first paragraph is to teach others in the way of God (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:6, 11, 13, 16; 5:7; 6:2, 17-19; 2 Timothy 2:2, 14, 24-25; 4:2; Titus 2:15). He is to be ready at all times to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). He is not to be ashamed of the message which he teaches or of others who teach the message (2 Timothy 1:8; 4:9, 21). He will spend time teaching those who are already saved as well as those who are still in the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:14, 24-26). He will recognize his responsibility to teach involves reminding brethren of things they already know (2 Timothy 2:14; Titus 3:1-2, 8). His teaching at times will take the form of a rebuke which might even be public and/ or sharp (1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15). However, he must continue to be respectful and gentle (1 Timothy 5:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24-25). He will demonstrate humility and long-suffering as he teaches others (2 Timothy 2:24-25; 4:2). His teaching will instruct people in things they need to hear about (1 Timothy 5:7; 6:2, 17-19; Titus 2:9-10; 3:1-2, 8). He will seek to find other men he can teach to do the work of an evangelist as well (2 Timothy 2:2). He shows proper respect for others (1 Timothy 5:1-2) especially widows (1 Timothy 5:3) and elders (1 Timothy 5:17). He is careful to make sure the church does not take on the care of a widow who is not really a widow (1 Timothy 5:9-11). He is careful to make sure he does not believe an unfounded accusation against an elder or anybody else (1 Timothy 5:19-22). He is careful about who he approves of (1 Timothy 5:22). He is responsible for appointing elders (Titus 1:5) but will be careful to only appoint men who are truly qualified to the office (1 Timothy 5:22). He will not use partiality in handling situations (1 Timothy 5:21). He recognizes the need to withdraw himself from certain types of people lest they have a negative impact upon him and others (1 Timothy 5:22; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:15; Titus 3:10). He recognizes the value of interactions with other faithful Christians and will spend time with others who labor in the kingdom (2 Timothy 4:9, 11, 13, 19, 21; Titus 3:12- 13, 15).