Preacher, Are You Growing?

Preachers are people, too. They are susceptible to temptation, to depression, to spiritual backsliding, and much more – just like everyone else is. But preachers are also different from everyone else. The congregation looks to the preacher to be the source of spiritual power. He is the one to whom they come when they need counseling from God's Word. He still has to preach the sermon or teach the class regardless of the week that he has had or the depression that his heart feels.

Preacher, what are you doing for yourself to ensure your spiritual growth and continued faithfulness? In one of my classes at FHU, the professor offered these suggestions for a preacher's spiritual growth:

• Plan daily personal devotional time. Read the Bible for your benefit.
• Make a list of people and causes for which to pray.
• Make time to be alone with God.
• Be the spiritual leader in your family.
• Be in the homes of those who are sorrowful and suffering. Visiting those who are suffering will lift your spirits as well as their's.
• Attend meetings of spiritual growth and development. Go to Polishing the Pulpit, area gospel meetings, special rallies, and lectureships. Also, listen to podcasts, online sermons, WVBS videos, the Gospel Broadcasting Network, and more.
• Spend time with people of great faith. This can be another preacher, but it could also be one of your elders, or any faithful member of the church. We're bettered by being together.
• Share your faith.

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you (1 Tim. 4:16).