Why do pastors preach to their congregations? Instead, in my opinion, they would be much better off ... and keep all the members of their flock ... if they would teach instead of preach.
Again, in my humble opinion, preaching is what needs to be done only until the people see the light and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
After that happens, most preacher/pastors are satisfied ... but what they fail to realize is that the new person is not satisfied. The new convert is left to founder on his own and has no direction or clue as to what to do next. They are like a newborn who is neglected and not given nourishment, and so they drift away to someone who will feed them and care for them ... or else they simply die.
What could have been—and should have been—never was seen through to fruition.
Unfortunately, that is the general state of affairs for people who make the decision to receive Jesus. They are hungry to learn about the Master, and even though they may own a Bible, they do not have the drive and motivation to study on their own to feed that hunger. They are left to die on the vine alone.
Folks, this should not be!
It is clearly written in the Word that we are to "go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). It is not enough just to lead people to Christ. No, that is only the first step. We then need to guide them into studying the Word and suggest a plan that they can follow, because most new believers have no idea where to start.
The Bible can be intimidating, especially if a new believer is not naturally inclined to read, and if it has been many years since he has sat in a classroom. The Word also says that we are to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) But a person needs to be given some idea as to where to start studying, and the Holy Spirit will take it from there.
Only a few inspired and motivated people will thrive without a starting "push," but they are the exception. In order for the conversion of the new believer to "stick," there must be something for it to stick to!
When I first opened a Bible, it was recommended to me by a friend that I start in the gospel of John, then read Proverbs and Psalms. That gentle suggestion did the trick for me. Immediately, I was on a treasure hunt and could not wait to get home from work each night to resume digging.
I must tell you that, even though I found many treasures from the git-go, it was only after I was filled with the Holy Spirit that the Word came alive for me with new levels of understanding and revelation, with the result that 25 years later I am still digging out and finding incredible treasures.
The Word truly is the key to Christianity, but the teaching of babes in Christ is what actually turns the key to unlock and perpetuate it.
Article penned by Mary Wilkey, publisher of 'elf Expressions Ezine since March, 2001. 'elf Expressions is a bi-weekly collection of positive tips, hints, and advice offered with humor, inspiration, and other goodies for anyone who is inclined to read. Politically incorrect, it is full of guidance, mentoring, inspiration, English lessons, and more. Plus, editing and proofreading services for entrepreneurs and online marketers are also offered.