Does God "call" men to preach?

[jds1977]

Does God "call" men to preach, or is everyone called? Does He still single out individuals to be preachers? What is the difference between teaching and preaching?
Sorry for so many questions on one thread...but I've always wondered about this. Could you please cite verses. I want this to be explained biblically and not based on opinions.

 

[RuahFlames]

Yes He does. He has called me to preach

Ruah Flames

 

[jds1977]

Ruahflames, thanks for your response. Can you cite scripture for your experience?

 

[TheCheat1]

Does God "call" men to preach, or is everyone called? Does He still single out individuals to be preachers? What is the difference between teaching and preaching?
Sorry for so many questions on one thread...but I've always wondered about this. Could you please cite verses. I want this to be explained biblically and not based on opinions.

God commands all Christians to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every living creature (The Great Commission), and then there are those that he singles out to preach to certain people, areas, or even continents (Paul, Jonah, etc.).

Preaching is getting up in front of a crowd of people and aiming to convert them (read the book of Acts for that, I can get the specific verses if you would like...). Teaching is usually with less people (not always however) and is aiming to get the people to learn something new (shown by how Jesus would privately teach the twelve apostles, but not preach to them). This is why many times the Bible says that Jesus went "preaching and teaching."

 

[jds1977]

God commands all Christians to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every living creature (The Great Commission), and then there are those that he singles out to preach to certain people, areas, or even continents (Paul, Jonah, etc.).

Good response, I totally agree. The question I am wondering though is when a man claims he's been "called" to preach today, is he being called to a specific task? I see so many so-called preachers who only want to preach to church members and never want to go out to the streets or anywhere else and preach to the unsaved. On what basis are men claiming they've been "called"?

Preaching is getting up in front of a crowd of people and aiming to convert them

Not necessarily...preach means to proclaim the gospel whether it's to 1 or 1,000. ex.: Acts 8:35.

Teaching is usually with less people

Remember, the amount of people is irrelevant. Preach simply means to proclaim and teach means to explain. So many times, people exalt their "call" to preach but belittle the teaching part. I believe their should be a healthy balance. In Matthew 13:23, in the parable of the sower and the good soil, the true convert was the one who heard and understood.

I guess my issue is this: on what basis do men claim their "call" to preach? Do they have a specific task that God is calling them to or do they just want to be puffed up w/ a title? If we're all commissioned to proclaim the gospel, why are we not in the streets, nursing homes, jails, etc...why do a lot of proclaimed preachers stay confined to church members in a building w/ a steeple?

 

[TheCheat1]

Good response, I totally agree. The question I am wondering though is when a man claims he's been "called" to preach today, is he being called to a specific task? I see so many so-called preachers who only want to preach to church members and never want to go out to the streets or anywhere else and preach to the unsaved. On what basis are men claiming they've been "called"?

When someone says they are called to preach in the way Paul did, they are simply saying God has commanded them to preach the Gospel. Sometimes to a specific area, sometimes randomly (like Philip the Evangelist in... Acts 8, I believe).

Not necessarily...preach means to proclaim the gospel whether it's to 1 or 1,000. ex.: Acts 8:35.

True, but I'm pretty sure I said "(usually, but not always)".

Remember, the amount of people is irrelevant. Preach simply means to proclaim and teach means to explain. So many times, people exalt their "call" to preach but belittle the teaching part. I believe their should be a healthy balance. In Matthew 13:23, in the parable of the sower and the good soil, the true convert was the one who heard and understood.

Completely true.

I guess my issue is this: on what basis do men claim their "call" to preach? Do they have a specific task that God is calling them to or do they just want to be puffed up w/ a title? If we're all commissioned to proclaim the gospel, why are we not in the streets, nursing homes, jails, etc...why do a lot of proclaimed preachers stay confined to church members in a building w/ a steeple?

Hey, don't stick us all into a stereotype. There are a few of us that do go out into the poverty-stricken streets and stand up in Wal-Mart parking lots to preach.

Sometimes people say they are called to preach if they're a pastor or an apostle. Those are both positions ordained by God that are focused on preaching the Gospel intensively, 24/7. Not saying they shouldn't teach though.

 

[jds1977]

Hey, don't stick us all into a stereotype. There are a few of us that do go out into the poverty-stricken streets and stand up in Wal-Mart parking lots to preach.

Praise the Lord for those who still fulfill the great commission!

 

[jds1977]

Those are both positions ordained by God that are focused on preaching the Gospel intensively, 24/7

preaching the gospel 24/7 shouldn't be limited to just pastors...that's the life of a Christian. A pastor is the overseer of a local church. Their qualifications can be found in 1 Tim. 3, one of which is "apt to teach."
Cheat, I'm very encouraged that you believe in going in the highways and hedges...especially for your age...i hope other young people catch your vision!

 

[Shelbi]

Does God "call" men to preach, or is everyone called? Does He still single out individuals to be preachers? What is the difference between teaching and preaching?
Sorry for so many questions on one thread...but I've always wondered about this. Could you please cite verses. I want this to be explained biblically and not based on opinions.

God "calls" men to preach when they have no marketable skills, and need handouts to make a living.

This is not a Biblical answer, because professional church talkers are not in the Bible as examples of "called" preachers.

Shelbi.

 

[Shelbi]

Praise the Lord for those who still fulfill the great commission!

And, what are the material results of your doing that?

 

[Shelbi]

preaching the gospel 24/7 shouldn't be limited to just pastors...that's the life of a Christian. A pastor is the overseer of a local church. Their qualifications can be found in 1 Tim. 3, one of which is "apt to teach."
Cheat, I'm very encouraged that you believe in going in the highways and hedges...especially for your age...i hope other young people catch your vision!

How deluded can a person be to actually say "preaching the gospel 24/7 shouldn't be limited to just pastors?" Guess what, "pastors" do not "preach" 24/7, as you imagine they do. Surprise!! They only "preach" 100-200 hours per year, not 24/7, as you so boldly imagine.

High minded proponents of today's useless "preaching" are unable to be accountable for their babbling words. Their words are useless because their kind of "preached" words are Unchristlike. Jesus and His true Apostles materially demonstrated all of what they preached and taught by showing it in their own lives. "Preachers" today demonstrate nothing for people to see as Jesus and His Apostles did for people to see.

Do not think to equate your pulpiteering with the Preaching spoken of in Scripture.

Shelbi.

 

[tturt]

Yes, we're to go into all the world and preach the gospel. There is also scriptural basis for being called into ministry such as Eph 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" Every believer's purpose is to serve Yahweh in a particular area.

Difference between teaching and preaching - I've read definitions such as preach means to proclaim while teaching means to explain how to apply. What do you think it means?

There are so many different ways to preach - cell groups, on-line, prison ministries, etc. If you mean to become a pastor - Everyone has a different idea about what a pastor's responsibilities should be & there have been some threads on these forums discussing that topic. As well as the serious responses to this thread shows a range of opinions. Define pastor? evangelist? Who has the primary responsibility of soul winning?

In regards to being in the streets to reach people, I understand that idea but don't think it needs to be limited to pastors. We know several people in motorcycle ministries who do that - for example.

Some believers who believed that they were called, talked with others about it and were not encouraged to go into ministry. Did they get a response from Yahweh or did they believe that Yahweh wouldn't be calling this person, or based on the person's personality, etc. or based on their own personal experiences. Whatever the reason, we're told to consult a multitude of counselors (Pro 11:14). Do you believe that Yahweh still speaks today? If so, look to see if there is confirmation or not of your calling. Confirmation scripture such as Acts 9.

Edited to add; OP - just ran across this and thought it might be interesting to you. http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=41445683#post41445683

 

[TheCheat1]

preaching the gospel 24/7 shouldn't be limited to just pastors...that's the life of a Christian. A pastor is the overseer of a local church. Their qualifications can be found in 1 Tim. 3, one of which is "apt to teach."
Cheat, I'm very encouraged that you believe in going in the highways and hedges...especially for your age...i hope other young people catch your vision!

Of course. I simply said that those were two positions focused on it.

They will, just keep working. Tell as many as you can. Do what you can, when you can, with what you have.

"Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God." – William Carey

And if you are persecuted, rely on God.

"They gave our Master a crown of thorns – Why do we hope for a crown of roses?" – Martin Luther

 

[jds1977]

tturt, thanks for your reply...I agree w/ your post.

I've read definitions such as preach means to proclaim while teaching means to explain how to apply. What do you think it means?

sounds like a fair definition to me.

Define pastor? evangelist? Who has the primary responsibility of soul winning?

A pastor would be someone who leads a congregation such as a shepherd leading his flock. he would be the overseer. To me, an evangelist's heart is to evangelize, and not take the burden of "leading" an assembly of believers as would a pastor. However, preaching the gospel and soul winning is not (or should not be) limited to these offices.
Here's my dilemma: At a young age, I felt like God was drawing me to be involved in ministry somehow, somewhere...I wasn't sure if it was pastor, missionary, etc...I just knew I was supposed to do something, but I ran from it. I got married, then divorced because of an unfaithful wife. After my years of running and rebellion, I surrendered myself to Christ for whatever He wanted. At this time, my first wife left. I have since remarried. I talked a while back w/ my pastor about my calling to the ministry. He said I can't preach or pastor because I no longer qualify. I can however, teach. He even made the comment to me about inviting a preacher who'd been married twice to speak to the youth group: "let him teach the teens all he wants, but don't let him preach". I was quite stunned, and questioned his comment for some biblical support.
Long story short, there seems to be a trend of churches that hold the opinion that God only allows men who've been "called", to preach, and since I've been married twice, then obviously God never really called me (sarcasm implied). This prompted me to study the scriptures and seek God for guidance. My opinion now is according to the great commision, we're all called to proclaim the gospel wether it's to 1,000 in a building w/ a steeple, or on a street corner with just one.
So, do we need a special revelation to proclaim the gospel or is this just part of the normal Christian life?

 

[tturt]

Guess I don't see what your pastor is saying - what is the connection between being called to preach and getting married/divorced and why that equals teaching not preaching. Did he give the scriptural basis for this line of thinking - A + B = C?

Let's set this experience aside for now.

As you said in your post, pastors shepherd. The evangelists that I know usually don't have churches to shepherd but address their sermons primarily to believers. I guess what I'm trying to understand is - what do you believe Yahweh wants you to do primarily address believers or mostly reach the lost? Or do you think the majority of those who get saved, get saved in a building where believers meet?

As far as your last question, my observation is that some believers seem to have more of a burden to witness than others. Reading recently where a person is usually talked with 6.5 times about receiving salvation before they do. I read "Witnessing without Fear" by Wm Fay (think that's the title and author's name). It was very informative.

 

[stafy]

I would spilt this a little like this.. Preaching and teaching are one and the same thing, one ( PREACH ) is talking to people who do not know the truth ungodly, and the other teaching is talking to those who do know the truth godly, but need guidence. And the cross over is people who think they know the truth but really don't.

 

[DeaconDean]

Does God "call" men to preach, or is everyone called? Does He still single out individuals to be preachers? What is the difference between teaching and preaching?
Sorry for so many questions on one thread...but I've always wondered about this. Could you please cite verses. I want this to be explained biblically and not based on opinions.

God told Jeremiah to tell the people:

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." -Jer. 3:15 (KJV)

Pastors are the undersheperds feeding the flock. And he is to balance the word between milk and meat.

Teachers are to teach the basics or fundamentials of Christianity.

Not all men or women as the case may be, are to be teachers and preachers.

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." -Jas. 3:1 (KJV)

Whatever the preacher and teacher say, they will be held to a higher standard than others.

ANd you should be able to recognize who is and who isn't called to one of these two jobs.

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[jds1977]

what is the connection between being called to preach and getting married/divorced and why that equals teaching not preaching. Did he give the scriptural basis for this line of thinking - A + B = C?

He based this logic on 1 Tim.3 where a bishop (overseer) is to be the husband of one wife. His claim was that, that applies to preachers as well. However, in my opinion of which I believe is biblical, these are two seperate ministries, and not all preachers are pastors or will become pastors. We pretty much agreed to disagree.

I guess what I'm trying to understand is - what do you believe Yahweh wants you to do primarily address believers or mostly reach the lost?

Well, I have addressed believers in other churches, but my focus is always reaching the lost. Even when I have the opportunity to speak in other churches, it's geared toward motivating people to soul winning. I love talking to people on the streets, door-to-door, etc...

Or do you think the majority of those who get saved, get saved in a building where believers meet?

That's a great question...we don't see many getting saved at church. I have seen a lot (but not all) of false converts come out from getting saved at church. For insatnce: They come to the altar...cry a little...everyone shakes their hands, and hugs...then they go back to their old lifestyles and you never see them again until maybe an Easter service or Christmas play.
In my experience, I've seen more true repentance come from those saved from evangelism outside the 4 walls of church. Besides, we're commanded to "go" and preach to them, not invite them to our pretty little building w/ a steeple. I've never seen in the New Testament, the command to invite people to your church. We're to take the gospel to them and not wait for them to come to the gospel.

I must admit I've gotten a bad taste for those who claim they've been called to preach but only want to stay within the walls of their church, especially since the way I was muted at my own church. I'm to the point now, that if God were calling me to any certain ministry, I would not announce it publicly so as to not go against my pastor. I have been street preaching and door-door evangelism for a while now, and I absolutely love it.
Thanks also to you other guys who replied, this really helps.

 

[plmarquette]

we all are called to do some thing ....

some are called to lead, teach, admonish ... ephesians 4.11-12 ; 1 corithians 12.29-31

some are called to support, organize, and help

some are called to give, speak, listen, love

all are one body, each doing 1 thing faithfully so whole will work ... just as Paul compares the church to our body ...

 

[TheLambofGod]

Greetings,

What happens when you are a Christian and have been given a street minstrel Ministry as Rebel and a Warrior against the devil and all that opposes itself against the Knowledge of God , were given over 150 songs , original for the Ministry and are about to go forth in The Ministry in the name of "the LORD" and "Jesus" and before you do, you pray not to be a false prophet and to be slain first and after you pray that prayer you are stopped and then introduced to whole other "God" and "Jesus Christ"?
Knowing this, what could have stopped me from fulfilling this call as a Christian when I could not be the devil, because I am his worst nightmare and he is my enemy and there is no way he could ever defeat me as The Warrior I am. The Ministry now continues in the name of Our Father "God" and I minister and minstrel as the Brother of "Jesus Christ".
Could it have to do with my prayer and end time prophecy that "false Christs and prophets would come in my name"? What would that name be anyway?