In this series we are discussing the elements of discipleship in Teen Challenge. The first few articles in this series cover the basics – the 101 stuff that, as follower-of-Christ, we should all know instinctively. But, I know that the business and even with the training and education that comes our way can distract us. We need a little poke to keep us focused sometimes. I do. Last e-newsletter we looked at the importance of prayer in discipleship. What next? Preach the Word!

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Let’s face it, the only true change, true eternal change is a confrontation with the truth, a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the Truth. This a God thing. The stage is set, as intercession has taken place, for the Holy Spirit to work and do in a person’s heart what no man can ever do. All we can do is be sensitive and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in proclaiming that Truth. If we fail at this task we become nothing but a drug rehab. And, I don’t know about you, but this is not what I signed up for.

The following is taken from The Elements of Preaching : The Art of Biblical Preaching Clearly and Simply Presented by Warren Wiersbe

Preaching is the communicating of God’s truth by God’s servant to meet the needs of people. If we accept this definition, we are making several important affirmations.

• There is such a thing as God’s truth.
• We can know this truth, experience it, and share it with others.
• People can receive this truth, apply it, and be changed by it.
• We are also accepting some serious obligations:
  • We must know God’s truth ourselves.
  • We must experience the truth personally.
  • We must know the people we minister to so that we may better apply the truth to their needs.
  • We must diligently learn how best to communicate the truth to others.
  • We must grow in our love for truth and our knowledge of it, so that our ministry might increase in depth and effectiveness.

Romans 10:14,15,17
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2 Timothy 4:1-5
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

Think about it:

• Prayerfully consider and discuss, with your staff , the scriptures and the points by Warren Wiersbe. Consider their implications and applications in the Teen Challenge setting.
• Are we being effective in proclaiming Truth?
• Do we have a strategic plan for preaching?