So how do you avoid winding up with a pastor who will harm the church by turning Christianity into the American religion of self help therapy? Jim Hamiliton has some great insight into this here.
Based on what you have heard of his preaching, ask yourself these questions:
a. Was the main point of the text he was preaching the main point of his sermon? (If he did not preach a text, happily remove his name from consideration).
b. Does God rest heavily upon this man? Is it evident that he fears God? Can you tell that he knows that “teachers will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1)? Does he “tremble at the Word of God” (Isa 66:2)? Is the Word of God like a burning in his bones that he cannot hold in (Jer 20:9)?
c. Does he think that his main task is the explanation of the Bible, which is useful and relevant (2 Tim 3:16), or does he think that he needs to organize the Bible according to his wisdom in order for it to be useful and relevant?
d. Is this man going to help us to understand and live on the great truths of Christianity?
e. Is this man a theologian, or is he a just a gifted speaker with a good heart?
f. Do I trust this man’s ability to interpret the Bible and tell me what it means?
I would also add:
Would you define him as a 'holy man' or more like a business manager?
1 comment:
Very good check list.
Is this man a theologian or more of the good speaker/business manager type really makes you wonder...
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