50 People Every Christian Should Know

1. Preaching that costs nothing accomplishes nothing

"Preaching that costs nothing accomplishes nothing."

Sacrificial preparation: Effective preaching requires significant investment of time, energy, and personal sacrifice. Ministers must dedicate themselves to thorough study, prayer, and reflection to deliver impactful sermons. This commitment often involves:

• Early morning study sessions
• Long hours of research and contemplation
• Emotional and spiritual wrestling with difficult truths

Personal transformation: The preacher must first be transformed by the message before delivering it to others. This process of internalization and application ensures authenticity and power in the pulpit.

Continuous improvement: Great preachers constantly refine their craft, seeking feedback, studying other effective communicators, and honing their skills through practice and self-reflection.

2. The Bible never yields itself to indolence

"The Bible never yields itself to indolence. Of all literature none demands more diligent application than that of the Divine Library."

Rigorous study: Understanding the Bible requires dedicated effort and systematic approach. This includes:

• Regular, consistent reading
• In-depth analysis of original languages
• Study of historical and cultural contexts

Meditative reflection: Beyond intellectual understanding, the Bible demands thoughtful contemplation to grasp its deeper spiritual truths.

Practical application: True biblical knowledge is not merely academic but must be lived out in daily life, requiring ongoing effort to apply its teachings in various situations.

3. Passion does not compensate for ignorance

"Passion does not compensate for ignorance."

Balanced approach: Effective ministry requires both emotional fervor and intellectual depth. Passion alone, without solid knowledge, can lead to:

• Misinterpretation of scriptures
• Shallow or misguided teachings
• Lack of credibility among educated listeners

Continuous learning: Ministers must commit to lifelong education, staying current with:

• Theological developments
• Cultural trends
• Advances in biblical scholarship

Informed enthusiasm: The most impactful preachers combine their natural passion with well-researched, thoughtful content, creating a powerful and credible message.

4. Guard your gate: Carefully select workers for ministry

"Guard your gate."

Selective recruitment: Careful vetting of potential ministry workers is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of a church. This involves:

• Thorough background checks
• Assessment of spiritual maturity
• Evaluation of alignment with church values and vision

Character over talent: While skills are important, the primary focus should be on the character and spiritual commitment of potential workers.

Ongoing mentorship: Even after selection, continued guidance and oversight are necessary to ensure workers remain aligned with the church's mission and maintain their spiritual health.

5. Leave a margin in your life for spiritual growth

"Beware of the barrenness of a busy life."

Intentional rest: Ministers must prioritize periods of rest and reflection to avoid burnout and maintain spiritual vitality. This includes:

• Regular Sabbath observance
• Retreats for prayer and meditation
• Time for hobbies and personal interests

Balanced scheduling: Avoid overcommitment by leaving space in the calendar for unexpected needs and opportunities for spiritual growth.

Continuous learning: Use margin time for reading, studying, and engaging with diverse sources of wisdom and inspiration beyond immediate ministry responsibilities.

6. The secret of an extended pastorate is a growing man

"The secret of an extended pastorate is a growing man."

Personal development: Long-term effectiveness in ministry requires ongoing personal and professional growth. This involves:

• Expanding knowledge through reading and study
• Developing new skills and competencies
• Deepening spiritual life through prayer and reflection

Adaptability: A growing pastor can adapt to changing congregational needs and cultural shifts, maintaining relevance and impact over time.

Modeling growth: When a pastor demonstrates continuous learning and development, it inspires the congregation to pursue their own spiritual growth, creating a vibrant, evolving church community.

7. Preach to broken hearts, not just to minds

"Preach to broken hearts."

Emotional intelligence: Effective preaching addresses not only intellectual understanding but also emotional and spiritual needs. This requires:

• Empathy and understanding of congregants' struggles
• Ability to connect biblical truths to real-life challenges
• Sensitivity to the emotional climate of the congregation

Practical application: Sermons should offer hope, healing, and practical guidance for life's difficulties, not just abstract theological concepts.

Vulnerability: Sharing personal struggles and experiences of God's grace can help create a deeper connection with the audience and demonstrate the relevance of the message.

8. Devotion and discipline: The pillars of effective ministry

"My work is wholly constructive."

Consistent spiritual practices: Effective ministry is built on a foundation of personal devotion and disciplined habits. These include:

• Daily prayer and Bible study
• Regular fasting and spiritual retreats
• Accountability relationships with other believers

Time management: Balancing various ministry responsibilities requires strict discipline in scheduling and prioritizing tasks.

Continuous improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning and skill development is essential for long-term ministry effectiveness.

9. The crowning work of a minister is church building

"The crowning and crucial work of a minister is not conversion, but church building."

Beyond evangelism: While winning souls is important, the ultimate goal is to build a strong, mature community of believers. This involves:

• Discipleship programs for spiritual growth
• Leadership development to multiply ministry impact
• Creating systems for pastoral care and community support

Long-term perspective: Church building requires patience and a vision that extends beyond immediate results, focusing on sustainable growth and maturity.

Holistic approach: Building a church encompasses spiritual, relational, and organizational aspects, requiring a diverse skill set from the minister.

10. Preaching must be preceded by prayer and preparation

"We cannot be strong leaders of intercession unless we have a deep and growing acquaintance with the secret ways of the soul."

Prayer-saturated preparation: Effective preaching begins long before the sermon delivery, with intense prayer and spiritual preparation. This includes:

• Seeking God's guidance for message selection
• Interceding for the congregation's needs
• Personal spiritual alignment with the message

Thorough study: In-depth exploration of the biblical text, including historical context, original languages, and theological implications, is essential.

Personal application: The preacher must first apply the message to their own life before presenting it to others, ensuring authenticity and power in delivery.

11. Use imagination to make spiritual truths come alive

"We shall never attract or arrest our hearers by an elaborate display of theology."

Creative communication: Effective preaching uses imagination and storytelling to make abstract spiritual concepts tangible and relatable. This can involve:

• Vivid illustrations from everyday life
• Engaging analogies and metaphors
• Narrative-style sermon structures

Sensory engagement: Incorporating visual aids, sound, and even smell can help create memorable experiences that reinforce the message.

Cultural relevance: Using contemporary references and addressing current issues helps bridge the gap between ancient texts and modern listeners, making the message more impactful and applicable.

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Last updated: February 4, 2025