The pulpit ministry was established for the perfecting and full equipping of the saints, to prepare them for the work of service, that the body of Christ may grow strong, in unity, faith and in the understanding of Christ, attaining maturity in His fullness (Eph. 4:12-13).
However laudable the pulpit-pew reform might be, if it is short of this purpose, it is of no relevance. The purpose would only be achieved, when ministers desist from the overemphasis on the showmanship they’ve made of the pulpit, and begin to declare without fear or favor but with love the truth to God’s people. They should not allow themselves to get entrapped by the web of flatterers and praise singers, who have grown itching ears, rebuffing sound and wholesome doctrine, seeking for what will suit and satisfy their indulgence in greed and falsehood (II Tim.4: 3-4).
Against all odds, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, convenient or inconvenient, acceptable or unacceptable, popular or unpopular; the preacher of the word has the mandate to declare God’s word with a sense of urgency. The King’s business requires haste. The minister of the word, must be ever ready to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction; disregarding the revolt of itching ears, who will always be there to fulfill their roles in these last days. Apostle Paul puts it more plainly. “And show yourself in all respects to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity, having the strictest regard for truth and purity in motive, with dignity and seriousness”. (Titus 2:7)
The preacher has no business polishing and fine-tuning his message to suit the untamed modernity of his audience. That would be playing to the gallery at the expense of his divine mandate. He is supposed to be a model of truth, dignity and purity, without recourse to the approval of men. Those who must preach the word must denounce their lust for the ovation of the crowd and do the work of the ministry as it is meant to be done. What makes a good minister is not in the amount of crowd he is able to gather around himself, but in his unflagging resolve to speak the truth in love anytime anywhere.
