Speaking the truth in love

 A number of years ago I attended the annual meeting of our denomination. In one session there was an opportunity for people to address issues that were important to them before a committee of our leadership to consider. Each person was allowed a brief time to state their concern and their suggestions for how it should be addressed. A lengthy line was formed of people who had signed up to speak. I noticed the more conservative speakers were lined up along one wall while the more liberal ones were lined up along another wall. Each line alternated speakers.

Many of the more conservative speakers appeared angry as they spoke. I even wrote in my notes "Why are we conservatives always so angry?" The other side seldom spoke harshly and simply presented their perspective on the issue. Even though I seldom agreed with them, I appreciated their tone.

Today it seems that neither side wants to calmly address our differences whether they be religious, cultural or political. Many appear to believe that the one who shouts the loudest wins the argument. In too many cases a discussion isn't even possible. In our cancel culture of today opposing voices are simply silenced by disinviting those who hold such views from the discussion. It's no wonder our nation, our government and our churches are in the shape they are in.

Colossians 4: 5-6 reminds us to "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, and that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Behind every question or statement there is a person. Paul is telling us to know that person so that we might be able to answer his or her question or respond to the statement. We sometimes become so focused on the question or statement that we forget we are dealing with an individual who has a reason for believing what they do.

He further writes that our speech should always be with grace. Sometimes in our desire to win the debate we harm the person. When someone feels attacked or disrespected they will not hear what we are saying. In our minds we may have presented the strongest argument, but that is of no value if we have driven a wedge in our relationship with the other individual. We are cautioned to not place a stumbling block before other people, and this is easily done when we do not respect the dignity of those who hold views different from us.

We are always called upon to stand for truth, especially the truth of God's Word, but we are also called upon to do so with love. Let's speak the truth in love to all people and let the Spirit of God reveal to them its truth. 

Study to show yourself approved

 As most regular readers of this blog know, when I began my pastoral ministry in 1981 I had no education beyond high school. As the bivocational pastor of a small, rural church I frankly did not expect to pursue an education, but over the years I managed to graduate college and earn both a masters and a doctoral degree while continuing to serve in ministry and working full-time jobs. With online classes being offered by many schools today it is far more doable that when I started my educational pursuit. However, not everyone can, or probably should, follow the route I did.

Some churches will not consider calling a pastor without a formal degree while others, especially in smaller, rural churches, may look upon formal education as a hindrance. My life-long work with bivocational churches and pastors has convinced me that the need for such ministers will continue to grow, and many of these individuals will lack a formal seminary education. However, this should not negate God's call on their lives nor should it excuse any unwillingness on their part to learn and preach sound doctrine to their congregations.

Much of my early preaching came from what I had learned from pastors I had sat under from my childhood up. While much of it was sound, in some cases I was passing on the traditions long believed within my tribe that were not necessarily biblical. As a denominational minister for 14 years who visited in different churches almost every Sunday I heard my share of similar sermons. 

Paul challenged Timothy to study to show himself approved. This is sound advice for all of us called into ministry. That does not mean that all must get a formal seminary education, but there are other ways to study the Word before we preach it.

My library has a large collection of commentaries and Bible study help books written by respected Bible scholars and theologians. It also includes several books on apologetics and systematic theology. I have a Bible study software program on my computer that gives me access to far more material. These help me prepare sermons and Bible studies that are doctrinally sound. Another section of my library includes large numbers of books related to pastoral and church ministry and leadership. A third section contains books that focus on the Christian lifestyle. These books have been collected over 40+ years and have helped me develop into the minister I am today. I have never looked at these books as a cost but rather as an investment to help me fulfill the calling God placed on my life.

Some pastors use their lack of formal education as an excuse to let the Holy Spirit lead them in what they will preach each week. I'm not sure I would want to blame God for some of the sermons I've heard! Saturday night specials can be dangerous. The fact is that in the times in which we live we have an abundance of material to help us prepare biblically sound messages that will enrich the lives of our congregations and teach them what the Bible says. It only requires that we spend the time in study and preparation.