Though it may not be obvious to those who live in areas where congregations of the Lord’s people are numerous, those of us living in sparser regions know there is a shortage of faithful gospel preachers—especially a shortage of men who are willing to venture out of their comfort zones.

I’ve noticed an increased number of larger congregations in the “Bible belt” are recruiting young men fresh out of college (or while still in college) to work with a more experienced preacher for a couple of years. While I recognize the value of such an arrangement, it has contributed to the shortage of men available to work with more needy congregations. It’s also noticeable that, upon completing their “internships,” many of the young men are quickly snapped up by other large congregations desirous of enjoying a two-preacher arrangement. 

Don’t get me wrong! I am not critical of having two preachers in one congregation. In fact, I have long been an advocate of it, especially in places where the local work is small. However, where is the need the greatest—in a congregation with multiple elders, deacons, and an experienced preacher, or in a congregation not so blessed?

There are also a number of efforts by individual preachers to hold “preacher training” sessions—often on an annual basis. Where are all those men who have availed themselves of these opportunities? I recognize that there is benefit for men who don’t intend to make preaching their career in learning how to preach, but surely there are a few who are eager to preach the gospel more than just “filling in” when local preachers are away.

Perhaps you think that the problem is that my perspective is a result of living in Illinois. It’s true that Illinois’s corrupt politics, high taxes, and crime has caused a significant exodus of population—including some Christians—mostly to “red states” near and far. But “blue states” need the gospel, too!

And we haven’t even begun to talk about the weather. Admittedly, the climate in the north is not ideal, but it has its benefits. We don’t have hurricanes, wild fires, or severe earthquakes. Our summers are more tolerable than many of the more desirable locations.  Our winters provide opportunities for adventurous ones to engage in activities such as sledding, snowboarding, skiing, and snowball fights and help the rest of us to better appreciate each onset of spring.

I’m thankful for the men and their families who have chosen to work in places where the churches are few and far between, where support may have to be raised, and where others are reluctant to go. A few of us from the oldest generation remain, as well as some who are close behind. Some from the following generation, most of whom grew up in the north, have also spent many years here and show no signs of leaving. I’m also thankful for those of the youngest generation—some who are native to the north as well as a handful of young men who grew up in southern climates who are faithfully laboring in the gospel in needy fields. Still, there are congregations that lack the benefits of a full-time worker and have very few prospects due to a shortage of available preachers.      

I realize this article won’t be viewed as a great recruitment tool for attracting preachers to the north, but I hope it will challenge some to consider sacrificing a few temporary comforts for the sake of the gospel, postponing their search for ideal living conditions until the day when the Lord comes and takes us to the perfect dwelling place (Jn. 14:3).

aldiestel@gmail.com

The technology of social media has given greater voice to the masses while simultaneously insulating us from face-to-face realties. This has emboldened many to “come out” with their various identity crises with the support of and under the protection of a mob of virtual friends who will not only validate their choices but defensively rail against those who dare to question their choices and/or challenge their reasoning.

However, greater voice is a good thing only if it has ears to hear. Contrary to the biblical admonition, many are swift to speak, swift to wrath, and slow to hear (cf. Js. 1:19). This is not just a problem on the part of those who are “coming out” but also on the part of those who oppose them. While the worldly-wise nonsensically oppose opposition as unloving hate speech, those opposed to such worldly wisdom too often foolishly resort to worldly methods of opposition, forgetting that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Paul’s reminder is not just a condemnation of resorting to the extreme of physical violence but includes how we engage those in error with our words. While the reasoning of those who reject God and His Word can be frustrating and infuriating, our replies need to be characterized by patient, long-suffering grace as exemplified by Jesus rather than in the manner of political leftists or rightists. 

One of the advantages of the greater voice given to the common man is an exposure to a multitude of perspectives. Looking at things through different lenses or walking a mile in another man’s shoes are positive metaphors suggesting that we all still have more to learn from which we can benefit. Interaction with cultures other than the one of our own nativity can greatly affect our perspective on things. One of the dangers of “American exceptionalism” is the lack of objectivity that often comes with such pride. Indeed, for the Christian, any national or ethnic culture must ultimately submit to the culture of Christ and not vice versa (cf. 1 Cor. 9:19-23). 

Yet, one of the disadvantages of the greater voice for so many is the confusion that often results when a multitude of diverse perspectives clash. The cacophony of voices can be overwhelming to the point of two extreme reactions: we stop listening to opposing views altogether, or we become so open-minded that our brains fall out. There’s a better place between the alleged bliss of ignorance and the alleged freedom of irrationality; and it is not found in worldly media, regardless of how fair and balanced it claims to be. It is only found in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the Word that became flesh (John 1:14) and is thus the divine voice to which our ears ought to be bent and tuned.  Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (10:27). “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (14:6). “Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice” (18:37). “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come to him and eat with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). So let us filter the competing and confusing voices of this world through Jesus Christ and the words of His apostles and prophets. Let us find our identity in Christ alone and “come out” from the world “lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (18:4). Let us have ears to hear the greater and greatest voice, Jesus Christ.

andydiestelkamp@gmail.com

When James says we are to be “slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19), he doesn’t mean that we should not speak at all. Slow down, but don’t stop! Christians need to talk to each other. Whatever the issue, problem, controversy, or difference is we need to talk about it. We need to use words that are carefully chosen—“gracious, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6 ESV)—but we need to speak. There should be no passive aggressive silent treatment between disciples of Christ; no refusals to explain why we are angry or leaving; no ghosting discussions because we don’t want to (or can’t) give an answer or “reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15).

Times for silence

I’m aware that Scripture says that there are times for to be silent. We should not answer before we listen (Prov. 18:13). We should be quiet if all we just want to hear is our own opinions (Prov. 18:2). We should keep our mouths shut if opening our mouths will show us to be fools (Prov. 17:27-28). We aren’t required to keep talking to a fool or throw our pearls before pigs (Prov. 23:9; Matt. 7:6). We should push the mute button when we are tempted to vent (Prov. 29:11) and put our hands over our mouths when we find ourselves arguing with God (Job 40:4). But is this all there is to the righteous use of the tongue – silence?

A deadly fire

I know that James says that “…the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell…” and “…It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jas. 3:6-8). Our mouths can cause a world of trouble and hurt through idle chatter, divisive words, gossip, being a busybody (1 Tit. 5:13), and whispering (Prov. 26:20), and meddling in other people’s affairs (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Pet. 4:15). We can’t forget judging and condemning one another (Rom. 14:4; Jas. 4:11), lying, flattery, bragging (Prov. 26:28; 27:2), slander, arguing (Prov. 18:6; 20:3), and being a false-witness (Prov. 24:28). Swearing, obscenities, dirty words, and even off-color jokes are to have no part in us (Col. 3:8; Eph. 5:4). Is it hopeless? Is silence the only option?

Bridling

While it is true that we can’t tame the tongue (Jas. 3:8)—we can never trust it or let it run free – it can be controlled. James uses the illustration of a bit that makes it possible to turn a horse (Jas. 3:3). A bit is a piece of metal, rope, or leather that is placed in a horse’s mouth and attached to the bridle (the ropes or straps held by the rider). Pulling the bridle to the right or left causes the bit to put pressure on the horse’s mouth, turning the horse’s head and signaling the horse to turn their whole body in that direction. James is reminding us that something small (a bit) can cause a big effect (turn a whole horse). Not only does James warn that our little tongues can do a lot of damage, but also that bridling the tongue can “turn [our] whole body”. We can’t tame the tongue, but it isn’t hopeless. It can be controlled. This is what the wise writer refers to as restraining our lips (Prov. 10:19) and guarding our mouths (Prov. 13:3; 21:23). In doing this, it is possible to teach our mouths and add learning to our lips (Prov. 16:23). 

Give grace

Why did God give us tongues and the ability to speak if it is so dangerous? Someone told me it is like giving razor blades to a baby to play with. I’ll confess that I probably spend more time preaching about the dangers of the tongue than I do about the blessings. Unfortunately, this may leave the impression that God made a mistake, that it would be better for us not to have tongues or just be quiet all the time. This would be worse than all the dangers of the tongue combined!

If it is dangerous and God gave it to us anyway, it must be worth the risk. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” We often stop at the “corrupt word” part and miss the “what is good” part. It’s not enough to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” Silence isn’t enough. “What is good for necessary edification” must fill the silence. Edifying words “impart grace to the hearers.” (Silence does not.) Imparting grace makes all the risks of the tongue worth it.

What silence misses

Here are a few ways that grace can be imparted with the tongue but can be lost through silence: verbal prayer, exhortation, encouragement, praise, glorification, sympathy, greetings, confession, teaching, correction, rebuke, speaking the truth, expressing forgiveness, invitation, singing, giving thanks, testifying, expressing love and relationship, explanation, apology, accepting responsibility, edification, answers, reasons, clarifications, mediation, peacemaking, advocacy, righteous judgment, wisdom, advice, preaching, speaking the truth… These are a few of the reasons for the very existence of our tongues! Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” It’s not just death! We can give life by what we say.

Ungodly silence

I’ve already shown that there is a time for silence. But silence should be the exception and not the rule for Christians. “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6; cf Eph. 4:29). When we choose to be silent, we need to do some soul searching to make sure our motives for not speaking are pure because there is no way to “impart grace to the hearers” by speaking. It’s not about not whether we want to talk or feel like talking. It’s not about it being awkward or difficult. It’s not about whether or not people are approachable or we think they’ll respond well. We have grace to impart to the hearer—to “each person” (ESV)—not just the ones we choose. This is why we have tongues—and our Lord expects us to impart grace!

Problems

Not all differences between Christians need to be talked about. Paul begs: “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:1-2). But let’s be honest—if we can’t bear it, can’t tolerate it, or can’t keep it from affecting our relationship or thoughts of one another, then we need to talk. We don’t resort to silent treatment or avoidance or breaking fellowship without talking. If it’s medicine, politics, styles, culture, friendliness, personality, sports, pets, or other matters of opinion—choose your words carefully (“seasoned”) and bear with each other. If someone sins against you, Jesus Himself says we must go and talk to them with the goal of gaining our brother (Matt. 18:15-17). This is the only option. And there’s no waiting around for the other person to reach out, even if he has a problem with us: “…if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matt. 5:23-24). Communication is not optional.

Be slow to speak, but speak. Use no corrupt words but words of grace. The family of God should be able to talk at times and about topics when the world cannot. And talking can be beautiful, “like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11). Let’s talk!