By Ronald Bain
Introduction: The Preacher’s Calling
The Bible teaches us, and I have personally learned in my own ministry, that the preacher is meant to be a man of one thing. Yet because of today’s culture, unbiblical expectations, and because preachers themselves often load themselves with burdens the Scriptures do not require, it so easily happens that a preacher becomes a man of many things.
From my own experience—and what the Scriptures say—the preacher is called primarily to be a servant of the Word.
One can also say that each christian stands in the service or obedience of the Scripture
The essential calling is to be a servant of the Word. But in reality, this one thing actually consists of two things.
The Biblical Foundation: Acts 6 and Apostolic Priorities
This becomes very clear when we examine the history in Acts 6. There we see that the apostles guided the congregation to choose men who would specifically look after the needs of the community—the saints.
The apostles then said, concerning their own ministry:
“It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation… But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”— Acts 6:2–4
The apostles insist: they themselves must persist in prayer and the ministry of the Word.
So, what makes up this “one thing”? It is actually these two things together:
The ministry of prayer
The ministry of the Word
The work of the preacher is to attend to prayer and the preaching of the Word. This is the central task assigned by Scripture.
Life Before the Face of God: The Spirit’s Power in Our Weakness
If we hold fast to this double calling, it also becomes clear that the power of the Holy Spirit works specifically in our weakness. The Holy Spirit works through the Word, and so this module bears the theme: Before the Face of God. This is meant to express that every believer must live in fellowship with the Lord, every day of their life.
When a preacher’s service centers on the Word and prayer, it is obvious:
We do this before the face of God.
Module Overview: Prayer, the Word, and the Ten Commandments
In this study, I want to give special attention to the Heidelberg Catechism, as well as John Calvin and others, regarding their teachings on the Lord’s Prayer and prayer itself, as well as the Ten Commandments.
This module will explore how essential a disciplined life of separation and devotion is. We will:
Study prayer—especially how we ought to pray and what the Lord’s Prayer teaches us.
Spend some sessions on the Ten Commandments and how they teach us to establish a devoted and disciplined ministry.
Consider how we can integrate these truths into our daily and family life.
Where preachers—and in fact, all believers—cling to the unity of prayer and study and ministry of the Word, the Holy Spirit works with power.
Encouragement for Preachers, Elders, and All Believers
I hope this module will also be of great value to elders, aiding them in their service, and equipping them to help ensure that preachers remain focused on this one necessary thing.
In this way, I want to invite all believers to be part of this equipping effort for a devoted life before the face of God.
Concluding Thoughts and Invitation
My prayer is that the Lord will grant that we may be built up together, to take up our calling in a Spirit-filled way.
I look forward to seeing you and to meeting you all. Thank you very much.
