In an article by Chris Hefner at the LifeWay Pastors site, Chris offers four reasons why preaching is such a vital element in pastoral; leadership. He says: “Of all the things pastors can do to establish and strengthen their leadership, preaching is primary. Here are several reasons why I believe preaching is leading.
Preaching is leading because it is the prescribed activity for most biblical leaders. Moses was a communicator of God’s Law, as was Samuel, Ezra, Isaiah, and Jeremiah (the Old Testament list could go on). In the New Testament, nearly every major leader exemplified their leadership through their preaching (Jesus, John, Peter, Paul, Stephen, Timothy, etc.). While there are certainly biblical leaders whose main role did not include preaching (Abraham, Nehemiah, David, to name a few), the intrinsic connection of biblical leadership to the preaching of the Word of God cannot be denied.
Preaching is leading because it is the means by which we communicate God’s Word to others and thus establish leadership credibility. Ezra committed to study, do, and teach the Word of God (Ezra 7:10). He was able to rebuke, correct, and lead the exiles because of his commitment to God’s Word. Leadership credibility, which is vastly important for the pastor, is most naturally established in the preaching event, especially when it is exegetically sound and biblically authoritative.
Preaching is leading because the pulpit provides the greatest opportunity to communicate to the most people. Whether it’s once a week or three times a week, the preaching setting gives the pastor an opportunity to lead through communication. Communication in ministry cannot be overrated. Indeed, it is often underrated. Failure to communicate in churches (a leadership error) creates numerous problems. The preaching event provides a large platform for communication and casting vision.
Preaching is leading because it reveals the quality of the pastor’s study and spiritual life. Preaching can be faked, but not indefinitely. Preaching born out of a vibrant spiritual life, study, and devotion will bear fruit in the life of the church. Furthermore, preaching born out of faithful study reveals one’s discipline—a key component in leadership credibility.” [Read the full article]