Comments on: When You’re Invited to Preach

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:53:28 +0000

Great questions! Two more suggestions- both of which I learned the hard way.

Is there a preferred (or required) Bible translation?

What is the desired (or required) dress?

For the second question, I’ve had people be mad at me for showing up in a suit. Good to see if they prefer dress or casual. Also helps you as the preacher relate to the audience.

Hope this maybe saves someone else some grief.

-Steve

By: Grant Richter

Grant Richter — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:35:13 +0000

Ed,
First, as a lay person I will tell you these are great questions. Similar to what a normal “business response” should be.

But I found no where in your comments about, “Prayer”! I find it interesting that a lot of persons in ministry feel responsible to take on “items and issues” without first consulting the very ONE they are there to serve, Jesus Christ.

I know the people of the church for the most part, feel you are there to serve them and you are but not 100%. I would suggest that seeking the Lords face first is the first and foremost important action to be taken.

Maybe you got the invite, but the LORD doesn’t want you to go. HIS choice; not yours.

I can tell you first hand that I have seen Mark’s worship ministry grow because he is allowing the guidance to start coming from the LORD and not all Mark. I know he has not only other praying for him and his next steps, but he to is lifting up more as to what GOD wants versus what Mark wants.

Something to consider, ponder and pray about.

By: Ed Eubanks

Ed Eubanks — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:39:54 +0000

Hi Lee– those are great additions to the list of questions. Thanks for posting them.

One comment regarding the invitation: my instinct would be to ask that someone from the church participate in this aspect. In the same sense that I recommend that any pastoral prayers or prayers of the people be offered by one of the Elders or Deacons of the church, I also believe that an invitation is such a matter of local pastoral concern that I would be uncomfortable being the only one involved in the responses (or potential responses).

My personal approach to such things is this: I’m reticent to move with someone in an evangelistic direction if I’m not confident of my ability to follow up with them, at least to ensure that they are being encouraged in their discipleship. In some cases for a supply preacher, this would be difficult and even awkward. Therefore, I would prefer that a leader from that church be with me, that they might be responsible to follow up.

By: Lee Peoples

Lee Peoples — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:57:16 +0000

Ed,

These are all great tips. I also ask how long do I have to preach? What translation do most people use in the church (big issue for some churches)? How we will handle the invitation? Do I extend the call and someone else come up to talk with folks or is it me?

Those are just a few more questions that I know I ask.

Thanks