Letters to a Young Pulpit - Counsel For The Next Generation of Preachers

Introducing “Letters to a Young Pulpit”

Young preacher, I know you.

How do I know you? I was you. I started preaching when I was 14, way back in 1982.

I know the fire (and fear) in your chest when you step behind a pulpit.

I know about waiting for the next call to preach, and sometimes wondering if it would ever come.

I know the sound of the pages of the Bible turning, in a congregation that is following along with you, and the sound of the Bibles closing as the invitation is given.

I know about thinking you didn't do a good job, and at times thinking you preached with the tongue of an angel.

I know the late-night ride home from revival meetings, still stirred by the voice of a preacher you admire and respect, whose words you can still hear in your ears.

He thundered. He moved. He wept. The pulpit shook under his hands, and the people hung on every word. He wasn’t reading notes—he was preaching like fire falling from heaven. He was a "real" preacher, and you thought, “That’s what I want to be.”

I know about preaching and catching yourself imitating the voice or mannerisms of your favorite preacher.

I know you are trying to find your own "style."

I know about thinking, "Should I go to Bible College, or should I not."

I know you want to make a difference.

I know you want to see souls saved.

I know you want to do something great for God.

And I love that about you.

This series—Letters to a Young Pulpit—is a word of counsel. From one preacher to another. From someone who’s had some successes, but who has also made some mistakes. Someone who has walked a few miles more than you and has preached a few more sermons than you. It is written by someone who now feels a deep burden for the next generation of men who will stand behind pulpits across the land—especially in our Independent Baptist churches. It is written by a man who also has a burden for the future of God's work and who can see past today, because of his unique exposure to the past. It is written by someone who realizes that the future can only be changed and redirected if we are willing to disturb the present, not fall asleep in it. I am here to offer something I wish someone had given me (more of) early on: A little more guidance. A little more counsel. A little more direction. A little more perspective. A little more wisdom and understanding...and a few more caution signs on the road ahead.

And here is something else. Young preacher, you are probably receiving (or could receive) a great deal more than you think, BUT because sometimes young preachers are too proud (and too unlearned/unskilled), they don't really know what they are receiving or how to integrate it. Oh, the joys of youth!

Hopefully, the Spirit of God will break through all of this and allow some truth to resonate and help you on your journey.

Many voices are competing for your attention today.

Some flashy.

Some angry.

Some super shiny and apparently perfect.

Some full of noise but empty of truth.

The danger is not just in listening to the wrong voice—but in becoming one.

Why This Series?

I’m not writing as a critic. I’m writing as a fellow preacher, a brother, maybe even a spiritual uncle.

I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that not everything that sounds like preaching is biblical preaching—and not everything that looks like ministry is biblical ministry—and not every popular method is worth carrying forward—and not every popular preacher is worth following.

This series will deal with real issues: I am not here to pick a fight, but I will not pull any punches. I will use wisdom and be judicious in my words, but very clear in my meaning. The battle is on for the future....your future... and I will fight for you...and with you.

Some topics will be encouraging. Others may make you uncomfortable. All of them are written with love and with the sincere prayer that your preaching will be powerful, biblical, and lasting.

What’s the Goal?

The goal is simple: To help young preachers develop as preachers. These "Letters" will be written with a desire to cultivate within you a zeal with knowledge—the kind of fire that burns clean because it’s fed by truth, not emotion, tradition, or the expectations of the brethren.

You don’t need to become a pulpit performer to be used of God. You don’t need to copy the quirks or cadences of the last generation. You need to walk with God. You need to know your Bible. You need to be filled with the Spirit. You need to care more about honoring the Lord and feeding the sheep, than impressing the crowds.

That’s where true preaching begins.

What’s Next?

In the weeks ahead, I’ll share some things I wish someone had told me early on. One article at a time. No axe to grind—just a burden to help. Along the way, we’ll deal with topics like:

• Preaching with depth, not just decibels

• Why some traditions actually harm young preachers

• Studying the Bible for real—not just for outlines

• What to do when you feel pressure to “perform”

• How to love people more than the pulpit

  
  

If that sounds helpful, I hope you’ll read along—and maybe even share it with someone younger coming up behind you.

Until next time—keep your heart hot and your head clear. God’s people don’t need more noise. They need a voice from heaven.