Preacher Shortage?
Numerous articles have been published lately concerning difficulties churches experience obtaining a preacher. The various gospel newspapers often contain ads by preacher-seeking churches. Thus it would seem when preachers are available they should have no trouble locating (providing they preach the truth courageously and well and live it the best way they are able). However all that glitters is not gold.
A young, personal acquaintance has been trying to relocate. With many needing places he should have very few problems. Not so. He is 25, has been a Christian for about three years, has only a high school education, has never been to one of "our colleges," is not overly adept at writing, has only preached for a short time and must move for personal reasons. On the positive side, he has grown faster than anyone I can recall. He has a grasp of Scripture far beyond what most have in the same period of time. He is self-assured but not arrogant when before an audience, throughly sincere, zealous to serve God as a public proclaimer of His Word, studies long and diligently, comes well-recommended by men who have faithfully preached for years and are competent to judge preaching ability, and is a hard worker. He is, in a word, a capable, if inexperienced gospel preacher. Yet he is totally unwanted!
"Trying out" he has repeatedly been told, "Sorry, we're looking for someone older and more experienced." In discussion recently he asked me, "How does a 'young, inexperienced' preacher get older and experienced without locating somewhere and preaching?" I'm open for answers. On several "try outs" he was informed that the brethren, faced with a choice between him and no one, would pick no one. This in spite of the fact that outside support committed there would be withdrawn if a man was not located soon. Yet they had complimented his preaching! This really helps a fella's morale, particularly when he is just starting out. He has a wife and child to support; no longer able to afford this exercise ("trying out") he is turning to secular work.
It is not always difficult for a young man to locate. If he has a college degree or has attended one of "our colleges," if he is facile with words and can establish a reputation as a writer, publishing articles in the brotherhood newspapers, he has a much better chance than otherwise. But all young men cannot write that well (nor can some of us older ones, either). Many lack a college degree and the closest we'll ever come to one of "our colleges" is an accidental driving on the property as we pass through town (probably on our way somewhere to "try out").
Churches seem not to care or do not know that their desires are both unjustified and unrealistic. Men such as this one can never fit them. No one questions the right of congregations to pass judgment on those they allow to preach for them. But I cannot help wonder at the wisdom with which such judgment is exercised when I see some of the results. It would help if churches would readjust their requirements to those contained in the Bible.
Those recognizing themselves in this, don't worry — you have plenty of company. Is this typical? If so, brethren, come on, wake up!
— P. O. Box 1306, Marshall, Texas 75670