Lord's Pattern In Training Preachers Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Lord’s Method: Hands-on Training

2. The Lord’s Mentors: Mature Trainers

3. The Lord’s Mission: Faithful Trainees

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme the: “Lord’s Pattern in Training Preachers.” The book of Colossians as already discussed is one of Paul’s prison epistles (along with the Letters to the Ephesians, Philippians and Philemon). The Lord used Paul and other men to equip young preachers: using a hands-on approach in training them, in the skills of preaching. The church over the years has divested (given up) its responsibilities, in training sound and faithful gospel preachers. We have sent men and their families desirous to preach: off to a Christian College; a Preaching School; and, even to a Liberal College or University, for education and training. This has resulted in the escalation of ill-informed, unlearned and unscriptural men; preaching in some pulpits across the nation. The Lord has left this work: in the hands of mature and faithful preachers.

2. First, we will consider the Lord’s method (pattern) in training preachers; and that was through: a hands-on approach. This method has proven the most effective; in preparing young men, to be faithful servants of Christ. Our Lord employed this method (pattern) of hands-on training, with his apostles. Luke wrote: “Former treatise...of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” Acts 1:1. They sat first at the feet of Jesus; after which, they were sent out to preach the word. Most of the older ministers and evangelists; were brought into the ministry, using this method of training. This should occur before these young preachers, go off to college; or, immediately after they have returned.

3. Second, we will discuss the Lord’s mentors in training young preachers; these were mature (i.e., preachers; teachers, elders and learned men) in the faith. Paul took several young men under his wing; and taught them how to preach, and to care for the church of Christ. The elder’s function was to watch over the church; and the older ministers and teachers; were responsible for the training of: “Faithful men in the faith,” 2 Timothy 2:2. This was done by Paul and other apostles’ through mentoring and coaching them, in the faith.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the Lord’s mission; and that was to train faithful men (trainees), to be able to teach others the message of the gospel. Young ministers, must learn how to: “Rightly divide the word of truth;” and, how to present it, in a manner that compels others, to obey: “The word of truth...the gospel of their salvation,” Ephesians 1:11-13. Further, these ministers must be examples of faithfulness before the congregation. The younger ministers will need to develop skills in teaching; in coaching and mentoring others; in their walk of faith, before God and men. It will only be through these skills, they will remain faithful; and lead others to Christ, through a sound presentation of the word of God. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE LORD’S METHOD: HANDS-ON TRAINING

A. Lord’s method (pattern). The Lord’s method or pattern in training preachers is by: a hands-on approach, or, to (do and teach). Observe....

1. The word “pattern” in Gr., is typos or, tü'-pos, which means, a type, manner; a sketch for imitation:—form, or a pattern.

a. The word implies an outline, a sketch, a brief, or a summary exposition.

b. God used a “pattern” or “form” in the construction of the ark; the building of the tabernacle; and in the conversion of the sinners, from their sins.

c. This is a form, pattern, or a hands-on method, in the training of young men to teach, and preach the gospel of Christ. This permits them to learn by doing!

2. Types of patterns in the Old and New Testament writings. Observe....

a. Pattern for the ark: “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with a lower, a second, and a third (story) shalt thou make (in) it,” Genesis 6:13-16; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20-21.

b. Pattern for the tabernacle: “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount,” Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5.

c. Pattern for conversion: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22; John 8:30-32; John 8:36.