The Preacher
The church that compromises Truth today will compromise Morals tomorrow. It is in vain for the preacher to hope to please all alike. Let a man stand with his face in what direction he will, he must necessarily turn his back on one-half of the world. "A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth and be able to bite and fight" - Martin Luther. The Church does not need more popular preaching but more pungent, convicting preaching. A pastor needs the tact of a diplomat, the strength of Samson, the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon - and a cast-iron stomach. "I preach as never sure to preach again, as a dying man to dying men" - Richard Baxter. The pastor in a growing church is always a central figure, but he is careful to surround himself with sanctified, responsible, consecrated believers who function as lay ministers. Growth occurs when Christ is obeyed as the Chief Shepherd, wh...