Truth Magazine

By Donald P. Ames

Sometime ago, in the Newport Daily Independent, the announcement appeared that the Newport Presbyterian Church had appointed two women to the position of “ruling elders.” In view of the fact elders are to rule over the congregation (Heb. 13:7, I Tim. 5:17, 1 Pet. 5:2-3) and women are not to “exercise authority over man” (1 Tim. 2:12), I am curious how they were ever considered for such a position. I am even more curious how they fulfilled the qualification of being the “husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:6). I do not believe they can be justified by the Word of God! But neither can the Presbyterian Church!

Truth Magazine XIX: 11, p. 174
January 23, 1975

 

By Daniel H. King

In his Editorial comments respecting “Herald of Truth’s New Film Series” in the May 21, 1974 issue of the Firm Foundation, editor Reuel Lemmons joined the ever-increasing ranks of those critical of “hard,” “caustic,” and “negative” preaching. The wind is blowing across the brotherhood in just the right direction to disallow his remarks from causing overmuch friction at the present time. I must, however, beg a fresh hearing on the subject. And, I think that such is justifiable in light of the watered-down, mills-toast preaching that is being encouraged by these highhanded brethren who are so swift to condemn past generations of stout and loyal preachers and their labors. I am no traditionalist by any means, but I am of the firm conviction that in most cases these men did the best that their time and talent: would allow. Their efforts built up the walls of Jerusalem and strengthened., its fortifications, all the while swinging its gates wide and outward to the lost. Who can deny that their “hard preaching” brought the church to the point at which it is today (and me thinks that no mean place, whatever editor Lemmons’ view)? Actually, I think the problem runs much deeper than what lies on the surface. Having left the New Testament behind from the standpoint of furnishing us with everything required for our faith and practice, it now becomes necessary for these brethren to set themselves apart from their Restoration forebears and their simple and quaint ways. Though on occasion for the sake of a feigned legitimacy, allusion is made to the past; a recognition of the dichotomy is beginning to make itself felt.

Note the following paragraph from brother Lemmon’s Editorial:

“There will always be a divided opinion over how strong radio and television preaching should be. Those who have never done any of it, and those who have been thrown off the air because of caustic preaching, are sure the bark should fly. We thoroughly disagree. We have alienated our share of potential saints with ‘hard’ preaching, as any who know us will testify. Most brotherhood ‘hard preaching’ is for local consumption anyway, and to give the preacher a chance to show how ‘sound’ he is. The leaders of the Restoration, and the apostles themselves, did not want to alienate people; they wanted to draw them. And radio and television stations do not want their audiences alienated either. Somewhere along the line we have reversed that idea. An alienating negativism has isolated us until we are almost completely preaching to ourselves. We heartily favor a different approach to an audience that can turn you off with a flip of the dial.”

We would be negligent were we to fail to emphasize that tact and diplomacy are characteristics to be desired in the proclamation of the truth. Indeed, Jesus instructed the disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16); and Paul admonished, “Let your speech be ‘always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6); while Peter instructed, “Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). No one has a dispute with the teaching of these passages. Their lesson is evident: wisdom and tactfulness in our communications should typify all Christians, whether preachers or otherwise. And, since preachers are in the business of communicating the Word of God, they should especially heed these inspired words of advice.

On the other hand, there are those among us who are excusing and even promoting “soft preaching” by the perversion of such instructions. How one can be even in the least enlightened as to the preaching of Jesus, Peter, Stephen, Paul, etc., and yet opt for anything but “great plainness of speech” in the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, I must confess to being at a loss to know. Take a look at a few examples: Peter and John in the beginning of the Gospel spake “with all boldness” (Acts 4:13), and in the face of adversity it was their prayer that- they should continue ‘such (Acts 4:29), which thing they did (Acts 4:31), and it resulted in the number of the disciples being multiplied (Acts 6:1). Paul affirmed that as the result of our hope “we use great plainness of speech” (2 Cor. 3:12), and himself confessed to the employment of the same respecting the wayward Corinthians (2 Cor. 7:4).

But Brother Lemmons informs us that, “We have alienated our share of potential saints with ‘hard’ preaching, as any who know us will testify.” What a ridiculous remark! It sounds more like what would issue from the pen of one of the “young rebels” with whom I have been associated in the past rather than something written by the editor of a reputable religious journal. Does not Brother Lemmons realize that the opposite of “hard” is “soft”? If he considers “hard” preaching so contemptible, then the only conclusion that we are left to draw is that lie is espousing that a new day of “soft” preaching should dawn. And if you have gotten around much lately I am sure that you do not have to be told that although editor Lemmons is only now awakening, it is already high noon for many liberal preachers! Having heard a few of these liberal brethren preach within the last few years, I have come away at times wondering what the point of the message was–and sadly, realizing that I could have heard a Baptist or Methodist preacher preach the same sermon without altering a single word and perhaps even do a better job of it at that!

Those who make their way down the isle at the end of such a service can only be described as “joiners.” They “join the Church of Christ” because they prefer it to the church to which they had previously belonged. They heard nothing particularly distinctive to aid them in making a distinction between the Lord’s church and a human denomination. (And, distinctive preaching will always be labeled “hard” by the world and by brethren who have enough of the world in them to hinder them from seeing it in its true context). Therefore, their reason for membership is not conviction but personal preference. “Hard” preaching would have bred either conviction or contempt. Conviction would have led to true conversion, the end to which we should be striving in our preaching, but the contempt incited by the plainly expressed message would have caused alienation. That we will readily admit. On the other hand, that is not a sufficient reason to “soften” either the message itself or the plainness of its delivery. In fact, understanding the nature of the Word of God, it should be the more reason the continuing in the same vein.

These brethren, though, in their search for bigness in this enterprise as well as in their other promotions deem it the wisest to sacrifice this side of the message rather than “alienate” anyone. Jesus Himself could have salvaged His large following in Capernaum, had He only “softened” His offending words (Jn. 6:59-66), but He dared not. The Lord recognized that the Word convicts the world of sin as well as of righteousness (Jno. 16:8) and that some love the darkness of sin more than the revealing light of truth (Jn. 3:19-21). Yet, for fear that someone will turn us off, Brother Lemmons counsels: “We heartily favor a different approach to an audience that can turn you off with a flip of the dial.” He goes on in his next paragraph:

“We get personal satisfaction out of the announcement that this new series will be more plain and pointed; that it will stress the plan of salvation, the binding nature of the scriptures and the importance and nature of the church. That announcement will please all us brethren. But we sincerely doubt that it will build a larger listening audience. And a listening audience is what we are going to all this trouble and expense to build. It doesn’t make good sense, really, to do what we, down deep in our hearts, know will lessen the number who are listening.”

There we have it! If men are offended by the truth about the plan of salvation, the binding nature of the scriptures, and the importance and nature of the church, then just do not tell them. Herald of Truth is not a scriptural arrangement in the first place, but every principle of sound biblical interpretation demonstrates to Brother Lemmons his fallacy, and there is really no excuse for this loathsome willingness to compromise the truth. His is the attitude that motivated the teachers whom Paul warned Timothy against: “Preach the word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth. . . ” (2 Tim. 4:2-4). The force of editor Lemmons’ position is that if people will not listen to the truth, then we should give them what they will hear. He expresses the sentiment of the false prophets of old as well as the thought of heretics down through the ages, but his words fly in the face of Paul’s gallant confidence, “Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.” For fear of “alienating potential saints,” and being “turned off,” Brother Lemmons suggests a “different approach” which amounts to “soft preaching”! Is there really any wonder that not a single passage of scripture was offered in defence of this “different approach”? The reason is all too obvious: the Book was shelved when Herald of Truth was created, and now the dusty old Volume could only serve as a hindrance to its progress.

Much of the preaching of the liberals had already gone “soft” previous to the Editorial in the Firm Foundation, but I am certain that the article will not help the situation any. Being realistic (not prophetic), I suspect that if Herald of Truth programs do not immediately conform-to his advice, they will probably do so in the very near future. And, with a large portion of the brotherhood conditioned by such thinking, there will not even be a ripple on the pond.

Truth Magazine XIX: 11, pp. 172-174
January 23, 1975

By Brent Hunter

A few months ago members of the church of Christ in Pekin, Indiana, were somewhat bewildered when the phrase, “Brent is coming, ” began to appear in their bulletin. It was not until several weeks after it appeared that a full explanation was given that the elders had hired a student to work with the congregation for the Summer. Upon my arrival I was greeted with, “Oh, so you’re Brent!” My summer at Pekin had begun. We all worked hard together and kept busy; consequently, the time flew by quickly and now I can hardly believe that my stay with the Pekin Church is over. It all seems like a fleeting memory as I now attempt to evaluate my stay there. So much can and needs to be said. I now, for the first time, truly appreciate the words of the apostle Paul, when he said. to the young preacher, Timothy: “I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me in His service” (1 Tim. 1:12).

Many churches are now trying to decide whether it would be profitable for them to hire a young preacher to work with them for the Summer or on a longer basis. Many churches are already using such a program. The duration of their stay has ranged anywhere from two months to two years. If you have not ever considered the merits of such a program, or would just like to know more about its possibilities, then read on. The program’s effectiveness at Pekin will be evaluated from two viewpoints. This article is from the young preacher’s viewpoint and the corresponding article on the opposite page is from the local preacher’s standpoint.

An Overview

First of all, let me say it will be a worthwhile investment, if you are willing to plan for the program and utilize the available time wisely. It is my conviction that if a project such as this fails, it is not because the ones involved planned to fail, but because somehow they failed to plan. You will get out of the project exactly what you put into it! The benefits that can be attained through this type of program are worth giving great consideration. Let us .begin by talking about some of the advantages available to the universal church, the local church and also the young preacher.

Advantages to the Universal Church

There are three important advantages that need to be considered: (1) We have all been hearing about the preacher shortage, both in number and quality. It would be a tremendous service to the Lord’s kingdom if men could be encouraged to preach via this means and help remedy this situation. (2) The Lord’s body has been split and splintered many times since its restoration. At a time when we are once again under attack and wrestling with various isspes, the added stability given younger preachers by their association with men that have preached for a few years cannot be underestimated. It could very well prove to be an invaluable aid in maintaining the purity of the New Testament church. (3) I believe the program helps to strengthen the local congregation, and as each local church is built up, the universal church is made just that much stronger.

Advantages to the Local Church

There are a multitude of things that could be listed here, but once again I have decided to list what I see as the three most important: (1) The general spirituality of the congregation will be enhanced with “new blood” being brought into the work. (2) The members will be able to hear different and varied preaching while the local preacher is free to do more good old New Testament evangelism. Additional home studies, personal work programs, and correspondence can be undertaken. New innovations are also made possible. A good example of this was the booth the Pekin church had at the County Fair. The elders at Pekin planned to have the booth while I was there so I could help with this new project. (3) Another big advantage is that it should prove to be especially helpful in building a fire under the teen-age group in any congregation. Enthusiasm is contagious!

Advantages to the Prospective Preacher

This is the area that I feel most qualified to comment on. I can personally testify to the help it has given me as a Christian and a young preacher of the gospel. It has caused me to grow ever closer to Him, and I could never put a price tag on something of that nature. The three basic advantages I see for the young preacher are as follows: (1) Many begin preaching, get discouraged and quit. This Summer program lets beginning preachers know what to expect before they get into it full-time. (2) It gives him experience to work with (in most cases) a church with elders. This is an invaluable experience. (3) It enables him to work with a more experienced preacher which will help him get and stay on the right track. He is given invaluable pointers on sermon preparation, the writing and assembling of the bulletin, and in what books he should begin to add to his library. Surely, it is a very worthy endeavor to help train and assist young preachers in beginning a life of service to the Lord.

How To Begin

We all know how important first impressions are. As soon as possible after arrival, have a meeting with the elders. The elders should get a calendar and basically let the young preacher know what is expected of him. Things such as when he is to preach, when and how many articles he needs to prepare for the bulletin, what classes he is expected to teach, etc. Naturally it should be kept flexible, but this session is a must. The time will fly and usually if this is not done, many things you had thought about doing will never become a reality. This meeting should be of great help to him also in that he can plan accordingly and not find himself swamped one day and little to do the next. In the meeting you might make it clear you understand that he is new and you do not expect perfection. If possible, encourage him to preach as many different types of sermons as possible. A purely topical type of approach should be avoided. Encourage some expository preaching.

Conclusion

I have heard it once said that there are seven words which will kill the church: ‘We’ve never done it that way before.” Be careful of falling into this trap. New things can and often are taken to an extreme. This program, however, is a scriptural and effective program to build up the church. Consider its possibilities! It is a noble endeavor to help train young men effectively to preach the word. If ever there was a worthwhile investment of the Lord’s money, this is one. It is a worthy endeavor.

Truth Magazine XIX: 11, pp. 169-170
January 23, 1975

By Bob Buchanon

How would you like to add new zest and enthusiasm in the local work? How would you like to do that while at the same time be assisting a student develop as a preacher of the gospel? Do you have some money that you would be willing to invest into a great program like this? Are you interested? If so, then we hope you will consider this article carefully.

The Pekin Church, with which I am in my fourth year of labors, tried such a program this past Summer. We have received letters and calls from many preachers and elders about this program after reading of it in The Pekin Bulletin. At the request of Cecil Willis, the student preacher and I are submitting two articles to give more details on this program.

Why a Student?

There were some questions in the minds of some of the brethren here, as well as at other places, when this program was first mentioned. Many members wondered whether this arrangement would work. It did not take but a very short time to see that it would work and that there was more than enough work for both preachers to do.

By trying this program for the Summer, this church had a good part in helping to train and develop a young preacher in using his talents for the Kingdom. This is an important part of a church’s work and the Lord will reward our efforts. It does not matter how much time has been spent in the classroom in trying to learn the “ups and downs” of preaching, one has to get in the pulpit to “try it out.” Experience is one of the greatest teachers. This program gives the student an opportunity to find out what preaching is really all about.

Too many young men have started preaching, only to get discouraged after the first few months, and then quit preaching completely. Most of them were unaware of what to expect. This program really initiates one. It lets a young man decide if he will be happy as a preacher. We do not need to burden the cause of Christ with more half-dedicated, professionally minded “clergymen.” The church does not need men who are trying to “better themselves” as preachers. We need men who are so filled with determination to preach God’s Word, for the salvation of the souls that they love, that self is lost in an all-out effort to further the Cause of Christ.

These student preachers are in a unique position to be especially helpful to perplexed young people in the congregation facing unbelievable problems and pressures in our society. The younger men can understand the feelings that the students are going through. Many of the young people feel that they can relate better to one that is still in college and facing many of these same problems.

Planning Such a Program

Many brethren have inquired about how to plan such an arrangement with a student preacher. The first step is to inquire around and try to find someone who is qualified. There may be a young man in the .local congregation that needs this kind of encouragement and opportunity. If not, there may be someone from a congregation nearby. If neither of these are possibilities, then I would suggest to do what the elders here at Pekin did; get recommendations on a second or third year student from Florida College. .You should not have any trouble in finding an interested student.

The next step is to decide on salary, housing, etc. This will vary with each congregation. The elders at Pekin made an agreement with Brother Brent Hunter to pay a weekly check plus a set amount to be allotted in books for his library. Housing often depends upon the young man’s personality. If practical and housing is available, you might want him to stay with the preacher. If this is not feasible, then find a family with whom he would feel comfortable. Be sure to secure a family that understands the need of semi-privacy and quietness so that he can study. Do not forget to include in your budget to pay the preacher’s wife or member’s wife for room and board during the time that she will be keeping him. An apartment has been used by other congregations, but most of the young men that I have talked with have explained that it gets quite lonely.

One of the most important things about planning such a program as this is to plan it early. .If this program interests you, start today in making contacts with prospects for the Summer. Don’t wait until the middle of May and expect to find someone ready to move there and work in June. The earlier you can make a commitment, the more time you will have to ,”get acquainted.” If a student is chosen from another congregation or from Florida College, then start writing him and becoming friends. If the church publishes a bulletin, then add his name to the mailing list so he can start showing interest in the local work. You might find it helpful to have him send a bulletin article to be published shortly before he arrives. Get his picture and put it on the bulletin board. In this way, everyone will be excited ‘about his coming and recognize him when he first arrives.

What Does He Do?

This, too, will depend upon each congregation. He can be used in teaching Bible classes, both publicly and privately, in preaching, in assisting with the bulletin, radio, newspaper articles, etc. One of the important things that a congregation must remember is not to be selfish during the Summer with two preachers–allow one of them to be away. There are many rural congregations around without preachers that would be thrilled to have someone to preach for them. Many elders develop the feeling that the work of spreading Truth must be limited to the four walls of their building. This ought not to be. Allow and even encourage more opportunities of preaching. I know of one congregation that was using such a program as this and since the young preacher would be there, the elders sent the “local” preacher to assist in door-to-door work in Canada.

One of the most important things that the student preacher needs to do is study. You can not preach well what you do not know well. You can not know it well unless you have studied it well. A preacher needs to spend much time in his study, giving attention to the things of the gospel. Paul said to “give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13). Also, to “meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Tim.4:15).

Conclusion

In speaking from experience, this is a wonderful program. Let it be remembered, however, that this young man is not coming to work for you, but with you. Are you interested? If so, start today contacting those students that would be interested! This program might even inspire some of your local men to devote their lives to gospel preaching.

Truth Magazine XIX: 11, pp. 168-169
January 23, 1975