theology & leadership
To develop people who can preach takes time and effort. Like a bad diet is easier than eating healthy, it is easier not to raise up new preachers and just keep a heavy load of preaching. It is the path of less friction. To form a preaching team requires commitment.
Ministry is tough. The daily work is a thankless job. You rarely see the progress you desire. Organizational change takes time. People do not mature overnight. Leadership is already hard, but when you add our tendency to compare ourselves with others, it grows more difficult.
If we make it our aim to help people, which should be the driving force behind our sermon prep, then there are a few benchmarks along the way we need to make sure we cover.
"How much time do you give to sermon prep each week?" I regularly get asked this question by other pastors and ministry leaders. The trouble with this question is that it doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Some pastors preach multiple sermons each week.
I planted the TJC over twelve years ago. I am the Lead Pastor. I am the chief vision caster. I spearhead the staff. I am the first among equals with our elders. I am invaluable, and the church is in trouble without me, right?
