Preaching Is More Important Than Administration.
Lutzer is not saying that administration has no place in a pastor’s ministry. Every pastor must provide leadership for God’s flock. He must cast vision, seek to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11ff), and oversee the general operation of the congregation. However, a pastor must remember that he has also been called to preach the Word. I am not shirking my responsibilities when I shut myself in my office so I can pray and study the Scriptures. Lutzer writes that, “when push comes to shove, it’s the ministry of the Word that gives us our greatest impact” (p. 104). The Word of God is powerful and profitable and must be clearly communicated (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I am to diligently study the Word so I can interpret it and proclaim it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). I am also to remember that one day I will give an account to God for how I have proclaimed His Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
Here are some helpful tips for protecting your time in sermon preparation.
- Delegate tasks that others can do so you can focus on what only you can do, i.e., preach the Word.
- Protect your study time by placing it on your calendar. View it as an appointment with God. Only an emergency can keep you from this appointment.
- Be disciplined in your method of sermon preparation.
- Don’t waste time surfing the internet, checking your e-mail, or responding to every facebook comment.
- Remind your congregation that you are committed to bringing biblical messages every week and that you covet their prayers as you study God’s Word. Most church members will appreciate your ministry to them through the Word and will understand that preparing biblical sermons requires a lot of time and effort.
- Learn to say, “No.” You do not have to attend every meeting, Sunday School party, or church function. Lutzer writes, “Personally, I prefer to say no to invitations to serve on other boards, committees, and meetings to which I am invited. Since my primary gifts are preaching and writing, I want to use them to the best of my ability” (p. 104).
- Improve your administrative skills. Learn to be a better administrator so you can be more efficient.
- Learn to live with the disapproval of some people if you have the approval of God. It is impossible to please everyone. Someone always has a list of “things” I “need” to do. I cannot fall into the trap of asking, “What can I do to make everyone happy today?” I must only and always ask, “God, how can I glorify you today?”
{1} I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: {2} Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV)
