JUNE 8, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

JUNE 8 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5

Over 40 years ago, I was a young preacher in my first church as Senior Pastor. I was young and scared, wondering how I was going to do this. I found out that if it was going to be done, it wasn't me, but the Lord who would do it. But still there was a part that I would have to play. There was an old retired Pastor who attended that little church. His name was Lloyd Pugh. He was a gentle, quiet man. He came to me one day after I had received the call to be pastor and I thought he was going to evaluate my preaching style or my leadership style. Truth be told, not sure I had much of either. But no, this gentle, quiet man said, "Tony, I just want to share one thought with you as you begin your ministry, something that I have found is the call of a true Pastor. All you need to do, all you need to remember is, 'PREACH THE WORD AND LOVE THE PEOPLE." Lloyd Pugh is with Jesus, as it wasn't too many years after our conversation that I preached his funeral. I have always tried to remember what he said. I have made it the motto of my ministry, and though I fail many times, it is my desire, that I believe came from God through Brother Pugh to "PREACH THE WORD AND LOVE THE PEOPLE!"

There are many great speech makers out there today. People who by the force of their personality can keep an audience mesmerized, while not saying anything of biblical substance. The world and the church are malnourished, because we are hearing speeches and being entertained by our personalities rather than fed the Word of God. Preaching loses its power when it is done by the ability of the orator rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit and when the Word has been replaced by hot topics and entertainment.

Please share your thoughts.