Rewiring Your Preaching by Cox Richard H.;Blazer Dan G.;

Author:Cox, Richard H.;Blazer, Dan G.; [Cox, Richard H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2014-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

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Preaching and Pastoring Are Different

Being a good preacher and being an effective pastor are very different, require different skills and support each other. Effective preaching is the foundation for successful pastoring, and being an effective pastor encourages listeners to “hear” the preaching.

Preaching and pastoring are distinctly different; in fact, they are two different, though closely related, functions. The word pastoring does not appear in the dictionary, but has a clearer meaning than the designation “being a pastor”; the latter being a noun, which is important, but does not convey the gerund form—the constant, continuous, active work of being a pastor. Performing the tasks of being a pastor requires a different mindset and commitment than simply holding the designated position. The tasks of being a pastor go with the position, but the position does not guarantee the accomplishment of the tasks.

For example, without purposeful preaching, pastoring becomes religiously oriented social work. It has only the energy and power of the social and psychological dimension and requires no biblical or theological knowledge. Such activity is also devoid of the demonstrations of grace (Communion, baptism and so on) proclaimed by Christian theology. Since pastoring is the care of souls, it demands a power and an energy commensurate with the needs of the soul. The pastor who only preaches may not be giving sufficient attention to the care of souls. However, the pastor who neglects the power of preaching limits his or her ability to properly pastor—that is, to shepherd the flock.

Confidence, trust and relationship come from both preaching and pastoring. Neither can be neglected, since they are both essential bases for healing, not only within the context of pain and suffering but also within the context of healing the human relationship within the divine purpose. The pastor who preaches powerfully cares for souls against the backdrop of Spirit-driven energy that provides the structural dynamic that can reconcile sin and grace. Preaching is the proclamation of the Word. Pastoring is delivering that proclamation to the soul.

Many parishioners say their minister is a good preacher; others say their minister is a good pastor. Far fewer say their minister is both. The skills for preaching and the skills for pastoring are very different. They are frequently seen as two different vocations rather than as extensions of each other. Good pastoring makes for good sermons, and good sermons make for good pastoring. Pastoring is the application of the preaching, and preaching is the basis for the pastoring.

Preaching for healing is carrying the word in the pulpit to the hospital bedside or counseling room, with the underlying knowledge of how God uses the mind to heal the body. The sermon energy from the pulpit is taken to the conference room with the underlying knowledge of how God uses the Word to bring meaning to words (even conflict) to encourage mind-changing decisions. The minister also takes the preached word to communities in conflict, to organizations that deny justice, to businesses that cheat their employees and to governments that are at war.

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