Why Christian's in Ministry Need Each Other
The preacher Roy Danile once had the privilege of knowing a venerable gentleman from years past, a man deeply devoted to his faith. The old Man had a remarkable practice of expounding upon the verses of the New Testament and various chapters of the Bible for an astonishing span of over 40 years. Much like the biblical figures of Noah and Jeremiah, it appeared that the fruits of his labor were scarce. Surprisingly, not a single soul could testify to having been saved through his ministry, despite the countless individuals who were undoubtedly touched and enriched by his teachings.
Occasionally, other preachers, particularly Evangelists well-versed in the fundamentals of spreading the Gospel, would visit his church and deliver sermons on specific topics. It was in these moments that something truly extraordinary occurred. Many individuals experienced a radical transformation, with lives once entangled in darkness finding freedom and redemption. For instance, some who had struggled with addiction, like those trapped in the throes of alcoholism, emerged entirely liberated.
What puzzled many was the apparent disparity between the outcomes of these visiting preachers and the dear old minister’s direct ministry. The answer to this enigma was both unexpected and enlightening. A circle of these Evangelists engaged in conversation about the devout old prayer warrior, and a fascinating truth emerged. While their own preaching endeavors in different places often yielded fewer lasting results, they all eagerly awaited the opportunity, every few years, to preach in the old minister’s church. The souls in his congregation had ripened over time through the unwavering exposition of God’s Word.
It is an undeniable fact that numerous individuals can come to faith with minimal prior exposure to the teachings of the Bible. However, Charles Spurgeon’s wisdom rang true when he remarked, “If you desire someone to be wholly saved, present them with the complete Gospel.” I had the privilege of personally knowing this preacher during his lifetime. Astonishingly, not a single soul was directly saved through his own sermons, and yet, he had witnessed the transformation of more souls than most preachers do in their entire lifetimes.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that it is not a matter of pitting teachers against evangelists, but rather recognizing that they complement each other. The union of profound teaching and compelling evangelism can bring forth a bountiful harvest of souls. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of Jesus’s words about loving our enemies as much as we love our friends—an essential lesson in Christian compassion and unity. Amen.