Another year of the Preacher Training Program here at Samaria has concluded. What a wonderful week it was! We had 22 students who came from seven different states (TN, FL, WV, OH, NC, WA, and IN) to take part in the classes. They studied hard throughout the week as they were being taught how to do “the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5). Additionally, they did an excellent job presenting a sermon on Wednesday night entitled “Words That Save & Words That Keep Us Saved.” By the way, that was the first time for some of them to speak before a congregation. There are things I heard and saw during this great week of preacher training to which I want to call your attention.
The Call To Humility: Many of the men participating in the program said that they were humbled by how much they found out they did not know about the Bible. Humility is good. Peter penned, “…be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Pet. 5:5). The word of God should humble us all as it the product of God’s infinite mind’s revelation to our finite minds. No matter who you are, there will always be a need to read and study to better understand the Bible (Eph. 3:4; 2 Tim. 2:15).
The Work Of Hospitality: I cannot tell you how many times the men of the program spoke of their great appreciation for the hospitality shown by the members of the church here at Samaria. Of course, the Bible demands we show hospitality (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9). So many of you showed hospitality in keeping students in your home, providing food, and contributing to the things they needed for their being here. I am impressed with how many of you were involved. In fact, there were at least 42 members here directly involved in this important work! I know God is pleased (Heb. 13:16). Thank you for the hospitality you showed!
The Need For Preacher Training: The need is seen as Paul asked, “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). There is such a great need for men who have been taught so they are able to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). This need cannot be overemphasized! We are living in a time where there is a dearth of faithful, sound, gospel preachers. How refreshing and encouraging it is to me to see a church so willing to “spend and be spent” in such a needed effort (2 Cor. 2:15). You rivaled what congregations three or four times our size would have done. Thank you!
David Eldridge