Seminary Doesn't Make a Preacher

I used to be one of those people who figured if someone graduated from a Seminary, he/she must know how to be a preacher. I was so wrong. Seminary is all about learning the Bible and its history, not about the heart. It's that old story about how a person can be brilliant but have zero common sense. A person either has a heart for ministry or he/she doesn't.

I know some wonderful preachers. I also know some preachers who try so hard but really have something basic missing. Preachers who truly care about their flock, can preach a mind-engaging sermon on Sunday and who know the Bible backwards, forwards and every other way aren't so common. At least not any more.

What makes a good preacher? Is it knowledge of the Bible? Is it compassion for others? Maybe it's a dynamite sermon on Sunday Surely, we would all want a combination of all three but is one characteristic more important than another?

For me, compassion would have to be the first requirement. I want a preacher who can minister to his flock, of which I am one. I want someone who is there to celebrate a victory. But mostly I want someone there when I am sick or when it is time to bury someone I love. Because it is in those darkest hours, when faith sometimes seems elusive. Yet, faith is all we have. The comfort that God offers with His presence and His promises. I want someone beside me in those dark, scary hours to remind me that God is present in my suffering.

Next, I'd love someone who can preach a relevant sermon on Sunday. The Bible is just as alive today as it was when it first came into being. Its words apply to our lives. A pastor who can take those words and teach us how to use them as a tool for living really draws me in. I'm not talking about using the Bible to advance his/her own political views. That's something else entirely. I'm talking about using the Bible to help us make the day-to-day decisions that end up being our lives.

In the South, a big issue is always getting out on time. Some folks get furious when a preacher "goes over," meaning he keeps talking after noon. But I've found when the sermon is wonderful, folks don't tend to notice the time so much. I've also found that when the sermon runs long it's usually because the preacher keeps repeating himself over and over. Contrary to popular belief, that doesn't make us listen or remember more effectively. It's boring.

One area church has a wonderful idea. Yes, I know this is for the contemporary service but it works. They use a screen that goes along with the sermon. We all say the scripture together. It's the same version for everyone. What a plus! Then we get the talking points highlighted. It helps all of us stay focused and keeps him/her from rambling on about nothing.

I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking that knowledge of the Bible isn't important. Obviously, it is. But it seems that when the first two are in place, the last point sort of falls into place. A person with the heart for ministry and a focused mind for preaching, knows the Bible.