Adventures in Preaching

If you are in a church that happens to be currently seeking a new preacher, your church is likely finding itself in somewhat of a strange new world. From every corner of our (the churches of Christ) tribe, the word is the same—the demand is outstripping the supply. We simply are not producing enough ministers to fill all of the pulpits anymore.

The evidence is plentiful. Our schools and universities report historically low interest in preaching programs with some already dropping their preaching major and others, even closing their doors. Minister “want ads” in the outlets that carry them in print and online are abundant and overflowing. It seems the younger generations do not feel very compelled to answer the ministry call.

The reasons are plentiful as well. Certainly, the overall cultural shift away from the Christian influence has not helped. Churches and homes not encouraging young people to pursue ministry has been noted. And just the challenges of ministry along with the unfortunate experiences of some in ministry have been deterrents. All of the above; some of the above; and/or other circumstances—we find ourselves with a preacher shortage.

It is being noted and written about in such places as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Christian Chronicle.

Smaller churches, of course, where it typically has always been more difficult to fill the pulpit, have been dealing with it for a while. Now larger congregations are realizing it. And it is not just about preaching ministry, but about youth ministry, as well as other ministry roles. So. If your church is looking for a new minister, here are some things you might now expect:

• It may take a while. Usually, minister searches take time and that is mostly to be expected. But currently, a search could last much longer than previously experienced—particularly for the smaller to mid-sized churches. Since demand is greater than supply, there are more options for the minister who is searching.
• You may have to adjust compensation. Typically, churches offer salary only, along, perhaps, with a parsonage or “preacher’s home.” According to new research offered by Abilene Christian University, this still remains true with only around 40% of churches (participating in their survey) offering any kind of benefits. In the current climate, this appears to be a dated approach and churches now seeking ministers most likely will need to adjust accordingly by adding some type of benefit package. While most salaries for full-time ministers have increased to reflect the value congregations place upon their minister, benefits have not. Now that, it seems, should change as potential preachers have more choices. This is a needed change if churches desire to invest long-term to keep healthy ministers within their congregations.
• You may have to think non-traditional. As in utilizing gifted church members in a bi-vocational role or seeking part-time assistance from retired ministers or sharing a minister with another congregation. Again, smaller churches already are engaged in these kinds of solutions. Larger churches may eventually be as well if the preacher crisis continues.

If it continues. Can this tide be turned? Certainly, but we must be intentional and sensitive to the challenges.

It can begin at home with parents encouraging their children to explore their ministry gifts, while adding a life in full-time ministry as a serious option for their future. Churches too, should be about this, creating an atmosphere that values ministry and honors those whose gifts call them into ministry—by also treating their own ministers with respect and support. Fair and adequate total compensation is imperative by churches. While ministry is not about the money, we must not “muzzle the ox” (to use biblical language set within a ministry context—1 Timothy 5:17-18). We preachers can do a better job encouraging those in our churches who have both the giftedness and desire to seek out ministry for their life. In the distant past, churches were more organic in their development of “preacher boys” among them. Perhaps we need to revisit that emphasis as well and offer up more congregational ministerial training.

Whatever we do, we need be urgent since we are now facing this crisis. God highly values those who preach the gospel. He considers them to have “beautiful feet” and depends upon them as his messengers to proclaim the Good News of Christ (see Romans 10:14-15). So, should we.

Our Father, please rise up more among us willing to proclaim!