| Copyright 2005-2008 Dr. Jad Khalaf, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved |
| "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 |
| PERSONAL PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY BY JAD JAMAL KHALAF Certainty of Call God calls different believers to carry out different tasks. Certain believers are called to preach the Gospel message. Those who feel the call to preach must be certain that they have been called of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 talks about trusting the Lord in all of thine ways and He will lead a believer’s life. First of all, a believer should pray, read the Word of God, and determine whether or not the call is certain. A believer should seek God’s face, stay in the Word, and stay in tune with God. God will make His will known to a believer. Secondly, a believer should follow the call to surrender to preach. Be Blameless First Timothy 3:1-14 discusses the qualifications of a bishop, or preacher. A preacher should be blameless. In short, a preacher of God’s Word should be a good worker and maintain a good credit record. He should avoid arguments and unruly behavior. People inside and outside of a church should respect a preacher. A preacher should not go around gossiping or deceiving people. He should not be greedy of filthy lucre or even be jealous of some other pastor. A preacher should keep his eyes of Jesus and seek to live a blameless life. Husband of One Wife A preacher should be the husband of one wife. He should not be divorced from another woman. If a preacher’s wife dies from an illness, a natural cause, or some tragic accident then he can remarry and still hold the office of a preacher. His wife should respect him and he should give the same respect to her. Rule His Own House A preacher should know how to rule his own house. His children should respect him and respcet others. A preacher’s children should be disciplined when necessary and should live in one accord with their parents. If a preacher cannot rule his own house well, then he would not be able to rule over God’s house. Apt to Learn and to Teach A preacher should be ready to teach. He should desire to learn from God’s Word, through daily devotions, and through prayer. After learning, a preacher should be willing to teach people about God and His Word. The desire to learn and the desire to teach may not come easy to a preacher. However, a preacher should realize that his strength come from Christ (Phil. 4:13). Christ will give a preacher the necessary abilities that he might need so that he can have a learned spirit and a teachable spirit. Desire to Serve A preacher should be given to hospitality. Hospitality can include a preacher having the desire to serve others. He should not fall into the snare of the devil and be filled with pride. Instead, a preacher should humble himself and seek to serve others. Servant leaders are servants. The desire to serve, not be successful, should drive a preacher. Good Outlook and Attitude A preacher should have a good outlook and a good attitude. These two items require patients. Patients means that a preacher should maintain a good outlook no matter the circumstance. He should wait on the Lord (Is. 40:31). Things may not happen when a preacher wants them to happen. So, his attitude should be good. A good attitude also requires patients. Preach the Word of God A preacher should always preach the Word of God. He should remember that his authority comes from God. God can and does speak through His Word. Scripture is inspired by God (II Tim. 3:16). The Word of God is inerrant and infallible. The man of God should always preach the Word of God. However, a preacher should realize that preaching is not effective without genuine passion and a burning desire within his bones (Jer. 20:7-9). Evangelize A preacher should realize that evangelism is a commandment (Acts 1:8; Matt 28: 19-20). God desires for His Word and salvation to be proclaimed to the entire world (Jn. 3:16). Evangelism has always been and will always be the heart and heritage of the purpose of the church. A preacher may not be gifted in the area of evangelism but he should ask God to give him a burning desire to spread God’s love and salvation. In reality, evangelism brings joy to a believer’ s heart and life (Ps. 126:6). |
| Dr. Jad Khalaf |