Pastor's Blog: Sharpening Your Sword
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I attended a preaching lecture this week in Atlanta while over that way participating in a meeting at the McAfee School of Theology, which is a part of Mercer University. I had the privilege of giving those particular lectures several years ago, which are named for my good friend and late colleague, Bill Self. As I listened to the lecture, I thought about how even though I’ve been preaching since I was 18, I still enjoy hearing others speak on the art of proclamation, because I always learn something that I think will make me a better preacher.
Assuming the perspective of a lifelong learner is essential for all Jesus’ disciples who want to grow in their effectiveness. Whenever we think we have understood all there is about the work God has given us is the day we begin to see our usefulness to the Kingdom come to a screeching halt. No matter who you are or how long you’ve been serving Jesus, there’s always room for growth and improvement.
This Sunday evening, Wayne Splawn will be facilitating a conversation on “best practices” for our Sunday Morning Bible Study teachers. I can’t think of a more important group in the life of our church than those who lead our members in this ministry. The Bible is our all-sufficient guide in matters of faith and practice. Therefore, calling our folk together each week to understand God’s Word and to relate it to everyday experience is an essential part of the journey of discipleship. The church that doesn’t take Bible Study seriously is a church that will never live up to its Kingdom potential.
Consequently, I hope all of our SMBS teachers will make this training opportunity a priority. Even if someone has been teaching the Bible for many years, there is always something new to learn, especially when it comes from another teacher in our church who has found a way better to convey the meaning of Holy Scripture. And if someone is interested in helping us in our Sunday Morning Bible Study ministry, your presence and participation will be welcomed as well.
The training session will run from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and will meet in Heritage Hall, concluding with dinner. It promises to be a great time of learning and fellowship. If you have ever felt like your teaching has not been all that it could be in recent years, then don’t let this chance pass you by. We need all swords sharp on Sundays so that those who participate in that most important ministry activity will leave better prepared to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22).
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).