Homiletics (4): The preacher as a source of blessing 

It is often said that ministers are a source of blessing. But what does this truly mean What is my role as a preacher, and what impact can I have when proclaiming God’s word? In other words, how can I be a source of blessing?

Everything that the church is, and all ministry, including one’s preaching, is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus announced, inaugurated, and embodied the kingdom of God. He did so by being a source of authority, knowledge, healing, and meaning. Therefore, to be source of blessing, ministers must emulate and continue the work of Jesus Christ. 

Acting in authority

The authority of Jesus is rooted in the fact that He was sent by the Father (John 6: 38). His authority was also recognised by His teaching, His miracles, and in the example that He set. As the risen and exalted Lord, Jesus extended His authority to the Apostles (Matthew 28: 18–20; John 20: 21). Just as the Apostles participate in the authority of Jesus Christ, so ordained ministers participate in the authority of the Apostle ministry (the Fourth and Fifth Articles of Faith). 

We experience God’s blessing through the activity of living Apostles, sent by Jesus to His church and who act in authority, and by extension, also through those ministers ordained and sent by them. Apostle Paul asked, “How shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10: 15). 

Important is that this authority is not about power or social status, but about serving others in a Christ-like manner (Mark 10: 42–44). It is essential that we meet people where they are and lead them to God’s kingdom. 

Conveying knowledge

Jesus revealed God’s nature and God’s will. He taught how the people of the new covenant should live (Matthew 5–7). He taught people about Himself and His role in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus revealed God as a God of love, whose desire is to save all of humankind, and that love among God’s people is a defining characteristic (for example, Matthew 22: 36–40). 

Ministers act as sources of blessing when they impart knowledge that is essential for salvation. As representatives of the Apostle ministry, they are to preach the gospel and the doctrine of the New Apostolic Church. Here the notion of being a life-long learner needs to be emphasised. 

Imparting healing

Jesus healed people in many ways. Obviously, there were Jesus’ miracles, where He exorcised demons, healed blindness or leprosy, to name just a few. Jesus, however, also healed people in a more fundamental way. He revealed God’s love. He gave dignity to the outcasts and demonstrated forgiveness towards sinners and made them part of God’s people. He mediated salvation, and conquered sin and death. 

Ministers can be a source of blessing when, like Jesus, they can reveal the salvation, love, and presence of God through their preaching. As our members in various ways experience despair, conflict, hopelessness, trauma, or spiritual confusion, ministers can restore their relationships, hope, dignity, sense of self-worth, and give hope. Every single member should know that they are personally known and loved by God, can experience peace, forgiveness, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, can live life with a transformed perspective that can restore their relationship with God, with others, and with themselves.

Assist in the discovery of meaning

Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14: 6), is the ultimate source of meaning. He revealed who God is. He paved the way towards salvation and eternal life. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10: 10). 

In a similar way servants of the word can help members find meaning. The social psychologist Roy Baumeister suggested that the following themes had to be engaged before the human quest for meaning could be satisfied. According to him four fundamental questions need to be answered, but here we shall do so from the vantage point of our Christian faith:

• The question of identity: who am I? The essence of personal identity is to exist in personal relationships. We find our true identity in the recognition: I am a child of God! Part of the bridal congregation!
• The question of value: do I matter? We were known and loved even before we were born. With God, there is no favouritism. God knows each person individually and intimately. God accepts us as sinners and wants to redeem us. 
• The question of purpose: why am I here? We have a clear purpose. God created us for eternal fellowship with Him and with each other, and to share in the divine nature (1 John 3: 2; 2 Peter 1: 4). 
• The question of agency: can I make a difference? The issue is that of empowerment. The church, through the activity of the Holy Spirit, can be understood as a fellowship of mutually empowering relationships centred on the will of God. It is to serve God, and like Jesus, use our gifts and talents for the benefit and salvation of others. 

After all, we are kings and priests in training, the bridal congregation, those who are being prepared through the Apostle ministry for Christ’s coming, and to serve at His side in the kingdom of peace.