Preacher Training 1 Tim 4:7-16

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Preparing for a Training Program: Topics for Discussion

1. The Selection Process (we are trying to protect the church and the young preacher)

1. 1. What is his educational background? Why is this question important?

1. 2. What is his work background? Why is this important?

1. 3. What has he been doing so far in order to prepare himself for preaching?

1. 4. How does he understand the work of preaching? How would he describe it? {shouldn’t be just for a person who wants to make his living as a preacher!} Ask: where is your weakness? Where do you need “balance.” A prospective student doesn’t have to “have” everything needed to preach.

1. 5. Why does he want to preach? What is driving him to do this?
      1. Consider poor reasons to decide to preach:

1. 5. 2. Evaluate his passion and desire:

1. 6. Evaluating his ability to write an outline (content + organization)

1. 7. Evaluating his ability to deliver a lesson
      1. What qualities should we look for?

1. 7. 2. Based on his outlines and his delivery, is he ready now, or should we help him “long-distance” (Zoom) prior to admitting into the program?

1. 8. Get referrals and talk to people who have known him and his work:
      1. Personality? Gets along well with people? Connects easily. Quirky traits?

1. 8. 2. Disciplined in life and work habits?

1. 8. 3. Faithful and stable for an extended period of time?

1. 9. Interview and discussion of expectations
      1. Work hours
      2. Flexibility
      3. Evenings
      4. Time for family
      5. Expectations of what you will teach him and what he will need to learn
      6. I must never have to question whether you are putting your time in
      7. If I have to dismiss you from the program, I will never recommend you

2. The Typical Work Week (what to expect; what should it look like; goals)
   1. Know what you want and need to accomplish each day. Make deadlines for yourself

2. 2. Know when your work week should finish, leaving time for rest and family

2. 3. The importance of starting on Monday

1. 1. 1. Warning of working “half-time” every day

2. 3. 2. Allows a “cushion” for when sermons aren’t “coming together” well

2. 3. 3. Allows for emergencies in the church; unexpected opportunities

2. 3. 4. Work first, then play: allows for stress free rest and family time

3. Preparing Sermons: What Is the Goal?
   1. Hosea 6:1-6

3. 2. 2 Timothy 3:14—4:4

3. 3. John 5:36-47

3. 4. Our goal in preaching is not “right answers” on issues, but to equip Christians to “come to the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood” (Eph. 4:11-16). The goal is a right relationship with Christ and with one another.

3. 5. Good preaching produces many positive affects to growth:
      1. Teaches Christians how to be better Bible students

3. 5. 2. Creates an atmosphere to which Christians want to invite others

3. 5. 3. Generates personal Bible studies as Christians become confident in your abilities

3. 5. 4. Causes visitors to want to come back

4. Studying for a Sermon: The Approach (if you don’t grow, they won’t grow)
   1. 1 Timothy 4:7-16

4. 2. Instead of “writing a sermon,” study to grow yourself and then share your growth.

4. 3. Bad habit: writing sermons based on what is wrong in the church.

4. 4. Train good study habits and especially how to both see the “big picture/message” of a book and discover the central message of smaller texts.

4. 5. The need to study in order to fall in love with God and create passion.

5. In What Do Christians Need to be Equipped?
   1. Living holy lives (Leviticus; 1 Peter)

5. 2. Loving one another (1 Corinthians; 1 Peter)

5. 3. Loving and connecting with people in the world; making new friendships

5. 4. Persevering in the work of saving souls; making it a lifestyle

5. 5. Become an encourager, especially of visitors and new members

5. 6. Active, passionate Bible students and participants in Bible classes

5. 7. How to teach unbelievers; learning by watching you teach

6. Training to Prepare Sermons: Preaching the Text & Types of Outlines
   1. Expository sermons (seeing the Holy Spirit’s message/outline)

6. 2. Narrative sermons

6. 3. Thematic sermons

6. 4. Sermons that survey a book

6. 5. Preaching through a book

6. 6. Other approaches to a sermon?

6. 7. The challenge of applications in a sermon 

6. 8. How to use commentaries & the danger of using commentaries

7. Training to Teach an Edifying Bible Class
   1. Understand the purpose of Bible classes (Eph. 4:11-16)

7. 2. The danger of “lecture” in a class

7. 3. Preparing Bible class booklets

7. 4. Leading a discussion

8. Reading List of Books that Need to Be Read During the Training Period
   1. Controversial subjects (divorce & remarriage; musical instruments, church autonomy, etc.)

8. 2. Be able to accurately represent both sides of the issue

8. 3. Christ-centered preaching, etc.

9. Working with Elders: What to Expect & Learning to Be a Team
   1. Communication and time together is critical

9. 2. Knowing their job and your job

9. 3. Working with authoritarian elders

9. 4. Working with passive elders

9. 5. Teaching young preachers how to deal with difficult members

9. 6. Thinking correctly about your salary expectations

10. 10.Equipping a Man in His Personal Life
    1. A passionate, loving marriage is a key to influence

10. 2. Balancing family and work

10. 3. Wife of trainee needs to discuss the work with the trainer’s wife. Have conversations with the wife about the work

10. 4. Hobbies & recreational activities

10. 5. Facebook and other media posts

10. 6. Holiness

11. Common Sermon Critiques

Berry Kercheville