Send Out A Young Preacher
There are many young men in college that are preaching. Some of these will be putting their full-time into the preaching of God's word after they graduate. During the summer these young men return home to earn enough money to go back to school the next year. I would like to appeal to these young men and the churches they attend about a summer job.
A young man with the ability to preach would be a great asset in an area where God's church is just getting a foothold. I think it would be a worthwhile project for a sound church to send a faithful young preacher to an area where the church is numerically weak. There are many men preaching in difficult places that would welcome some help through the summer. The younger preacher could preach while the local man is away in meetings. He could teach a Bible class each Lord's Day. He could teach classes in private homes. Together, he and the older preacher could study the Bible two hours each morning. The two of them would be able to make calls in an effort to stir up interest in God's word. When neighboring congregations are without a preacher, he could preach to them. In short, he would have a busy but useful summer.
There are several reasons why you should support one of your local young men in a work of this type. 1. It would help spread the gospel in a difficult area. 2. It would encourage a small, struggling group of God's people. 3. A young preacher would be encouraged in the work of converting the lost, and he would get first-hand experience in the planting of a congregation or in working with a church newly planted. 4. You will be able to fully support a preacher for less money than it would take to support an older man twelve months out of the year. Churches that cannot support an older man are given an opportunity to still get 100% behind a preacher. 5. The young preacher will get "wages" that will help him meet his obligations at school. 6. God will be pleased.
What is needed on the part of the young preacher is a love of the truth to the point that he lives it, is willing to preach it, and will defend it to the best of his ability. The church supporting the preacher should send him adequate wages. In addition to the monthly support, his transportation to and from the needy area should be paid. Since the teaching will be done over an area covering several counties, a driver's license is necessary. It would be helpful for the young preacher to have a car. If I were to work with a young man, I would like to start a class in a prospect's home and then let the younger preacher take over the study starting with lesson number two, I'm sure most preachers would conduct similar programs.
Those unacquainted with men in the field will not be interested in this type of work. However, there are many congregations that are well acquainted with the work of several preachers working with small churches. Since you know of these men and the needs, why not send a young man to work with one of them this summer. Elders, why not talk it over with some of the young men in the flock among you? Send a young man this summer. He will be an example of love, faith, manner of life, and purity to new Christians that need his encouragement.