There are many types of preachers out there. Some are loud and charismatic, others are quiet and reverent. Others seem to be all over the place. And certainly different environments call for different styles of preaching and preachers.
Sometimes when we look at all of these styles of preaching, and we see how some have truly mastered the art of preaching, we might wonder if we ourselves have what it takes to preach.
We might start looking at our qualities and abilities to evaluate ourselves as to whether or not we’re eloquent enough or knowledgeable enough.
But before you even think about speaking God’s Word, you need to let God’s Word speak to you.
What I mean is that preaching should not be thought of as purely an exercise in preparation and delivery. Way before you even think about embarking on those activities, you need to be changed by the Word of God. You need to have a conviction that it’s true, and that it gives hope, because you yourself have experienced its truth and hope.
And this should go without saying, but you should first and foremost know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who is the Word of God, and who all of the Bible points us to.
I guess what I’m saying is that God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.
There’s a place to evaluate abilities, but that’s not the first question. The first question is whether or not God has called you to preach. And you’ll only be convinced of the answer to that question if you look to JesusĀ and His Word for your own hope.