Jump Start # 4039
1 Thessalonians 3:2 “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the Gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.”
Yesterday in our Jump Start we took a look at the process of hiring a preacher. The N.T. shows us that a preacher can be supported financially, but little is said about the working arrangements and relationship between a preacher and the congregation. Some of this is judgment but it sure seems that a little more thought, prayer and insight ought to be looked at how we do this.
Today, I want to take a look at the “two preacher” arrangement. There needs to be some thought into how this ought to be done. In some situations, because of the way things were handled, instead of having two preachers, the church has no preachers.
First, having two preachers seems to be the flavor of the month. If the work load demands two, then that is great. The purpose is not so the preachers can do less work. Having a second full time preacher ought to increase the volume of work being done. One man can carry so many boxes. But with another man, working side by side, even more boxes can be carried.
So, the first thing to be considered, is “Why do we need two preachers?” If that can’t be answered, then maybe this idea ought to be put to rest. Just because other congregations do is not a reason for you to do this.
Second, the purpose for the second preacher needs to be defined. Is the bulk of his work to be evangelism, overseas work, or side by side with the current preacher? Just hiring a second preacher without knowing what he is to do will create problems. The work expectations ought to be defined and outlined clearly.
The purpose of the second preacher will define what age of preacher the church is looking for. If it is a legacy program, then the new preacher will learn the culture of that church and in time as the other preacher retires, then the work will continue on. That is the model we follow here at Charlestown Road. I am retiring. But because we brought on a wonderful and powerful preacher eight years ago, the work won’t skip a beat. In time, a younger man will be found and things will continue on and even get better.
If the purpose is not legacy, then two men of the same age may work.
Third, this is ESSENTIAL and skipping this point determines whether having a second preacher is a dream or a nightmare. The current preacher must take the lead in finding someone to work with him. He must be the point man in this. Much too often, elderships will hire another preacher without consulting the current preacher. Their personalities may clash. They may not even like each other. There may be doctrinal differences. Hiring another preacher without the input of the current preacher is much like a shotgun wedding. And, in most cases, it doesn’t take very long until that church has no preachers.
Let the current preacher take the lead. He needs to listen to dozens of sermons. He needs to have many phone conversations. Once he has narrowed down the list to the one he really is interested in, then they need to talk about all the hot button topics to see if they are on the same page. Work ethic, attitudes, relationship all plays into this greatly. Then, and only, then, the prospective second preacher needs to be invited to sit down with the eldership. Lots of conversations. Lots of transparency. Lots of understanding each other and what is expected. How is the new preacher gong to fit in and how is his role going to be presented to the church. Will the second preacher always seem like “Junior?” Will they be considered equals? Among them, they have to understand, some will like one better than the other. And, some won’t like either one of them. How they handle this, their spirit has a lot to do with the success of the work. Are they forever in competition or are they fellow laborers?
When done well, it is beautiful. When not done well, it’s a disaster. Large congregations that are really growing and busy in the kingdom, need all the hands possible to do the work well. Excellence in the kingdom needs to be expected in all areas.
How can we extend the borders of the kingdom is the thought that needs to be running through this process. We have been blessed and we need to do more. To whom much is given, much is required. Content with average and normal is not acceptable when it comes to kingdom work. Do all that we can for the Lord who gave His all for us.
I have been a part of two-preacher arrangements on three different occasions. One was a disaster, without any expectations, understandings or transparency. No one knew what was going on. One was so-so. And, the one I am involved with now is the best. And, one reason it is the best is that we followed the steps necessary to make everything smooth, clear and transparent. We both have our lanes that we operate in. I do my work and he does his work. Together, we are on the same page. We are there for each other. We are more than fellow preachers and co-laborers. We are good friends. We have vacationed together, eaten zillions of meals together, been in each other’s homes, and have had wonderful deep discussions about kingdom work.
The church can sense when there is tension within the eldership or among the preachers. But, when everyone is working well, they are friends with each other, and all have the spirit of the Lord about them, it is a beautiful and wonderful thing. People want to be part of such a congregation.
May these words help. If you have questions reach out to me (Rogshouse@aol.com).
Roger