It is commonly agree today that there is a desperate shortage of godly and gifted men making themselves available for a ministry of preaching. And some who do are being trained and encouraged not to take on too many preaching commitments, perhaps preach just two or three times a month.
Frankly, I despair and weep at this.
I love and agree with this passionate cry from Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers:
“Where are the ministers who really preach? We have men who read essays, but is that preaching? We have men who can amuse an audience for twenty minutes, but is that preaching? Where are the men who preach their very hearts out, and put their souls into every sentence? Where are the men who make it, not a profession, but a vocation, the breath of their bodies, the marrow of their bones, the delight of their spirits? Where are the Whitefields and Wesleys now? Where are the Rowland Hills now, who preached every day, and three times a day, and were not afraid of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ?”
Pictures From Pilgrim’s Progress Banner of Truth, 2024 p159
And note that Spurgeon practiced what he preached:
“In addition to preaching four times a week, he led his elders and deacons in caring for a church of five thousand. Together, they visited members, interviewed membership applicants, led prayer meetings, chaired congregational meetings, pursued non-attenders, and much more. Additionally, Spurgeon published a weekly sermon, wrote numerous books, edited a monthly magazine, served as president of The Pastors’ College, oversaw two orphanages, corresponded with hundreds weekly, planted churches, supported denominational efforts, and the list goes on.” (The Spurgeon Library)
O that God would pout backbone in, and a burden on, the hearts of a whole new generation of fearless, faithful preachers who would proclaim the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ alone and be used of God to waken his church from the deep slumber into which she has fallen!
