As the Lead Pastor of Exodus, I preach most Sundays and give direction to the preaching calendar that we follow. On occasion, I will worship with Exodus without preaching and often I’ll get questions. So, I wanted to answer the primary question, “Why do others preach at Exodus sometimes?”
There are four primary reasons:
- To give me a break. Though I would like to think that I am Superman, the truth is that I’m not. I get tired and need a break from preaching. Studies compare the exertion of preaching a 30 minute sermon to working an 8 hr day. So, there is certainly a physical component, but the main drain on me is the emotional and spiritual fatigue that comes with preaching. I can go about 6-8 weeks in a row before I start to feel the need for a break. So, others preach because I need a break.
- To give others opportunities. As I introduce myself every week, I am one of the pastors at Exodus. The other men appointed to shepherd the people here need opportunities to feed the flock as well. One of the things we have done this year is work out more opportunities for our pastors to preach. This benefits the church and the other pastors.
- To expose Exodus to other voices. I love having my Acts 29 brothers come to preach at Exodus. Having other men that I love and respect speak into the life of our church is always a win. Each time other men preach at Exodus, our people are encouraged and reminded that we are part of something far greater than Exodus. It’s a win all around.
- To Train Others. One of our values at Exodus is that the leaders of the church have as a primary task the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4). That means that one of my primary tasks should be equipping others in preaching so that those who are gifted to feed God’s people are growing in that giftedness. If we are going to be a church that plants churches, we are going to have to develop men who can preach God’s Word and lead God’s People. The only way we can do that is by giving men opportunities to grow in their preaching.
So, If you ever wonder why someone else is preaching, it’s some combination of these four things. I love being one of the pastors at Exodus. I love the joy of preaching God’s Word to our people. I also love the joy of seeing others faithfully serve Jesus by bringing God’s Word to life for us at Exodus.
