Resource: Pastor Delbert Rogers, October 1988, Independent BC Red Bank, 2624 Lydon Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn.

SONGS:
CLOSE:

At What Point is a Preacher a Failure?

Success in the Ministry Part 1

TEXT: 1 Cor. 4:1-2

AIM: To reveal that no one is a failure who is faithful

INTRODUCTION:
Some onlookers thought it was unusual, but few noticed when the pastor wheeled into the
church parking lot in a borrowed pickup truck. But everyone's eyes were upon him when he
backed the truck across the lawn to his study door. Refusing comment or assistance, he
began to empty his office onto the truck bed. He was impassive and systematic: first the desk
drawers, then the files, and last his library of books, which he tossed carelessly into a heap,
many of them flopping askew like slain birds. His task done, the pastor left the church and,
as was later learned, drove some miles to the city dump where he committed everything to
the waiting garbage.
It was his way of putting behind him the overwhelming sense of failure and loss that he had
experienced in the ministry. This young, gifted pastor was determined never to return to the
ministry. Indeed, he never did!
I am concerned about the morale and survival of Christians in general and especially those
in Christian ministry. Pastors, youth workers, evangelists, Sunday school teachers, lay
preachers, missionaries, Bible study leaders, and those in other areas of Christian service
often face significant feelings of failure, usually fuelled by misguided expectations for
success.
This Christian life is started as a new life in Christ, and many strive to live for our precious
Lord and Saviour believing God has called them to serve Him is some special capacity and /
or feels motivated to attempt great things for God. But there are some who will not attempt
anything for God fearing they cant live up to what they think is expected of them or that a
stumble, or some difficulty along the way will lead to unrecoverable failure. Many leave the
ministry convinced they are failures, seduced by what can be called "the she-devil goddess of
success"!
I know of what I speak. I almost succumbed to enticements of this she-devil!
It is my hope that the account of my confusion about success, which almost lead to not only
the near ruin of my ministry, but my marriage and life will ultimate liberate you through the
truth of God's Word will aid in delivering others from this unhappy goddess.
This sermon intends to be the first in a series where I want to make an effort to encourage
saints everywhere and especially those in ministry. I trust these thoughts will help you cope
with the despair of failure, which we all face in God's work, and lead you to a deeper, fuller
understanding of success in your life and ministry.
A. At what point is a preacher a failure?
Well, I think the preacher is NOT necessarily a failure because the following things
happen to him:
1. When some folks leave the church
a. At the end if his ministry and when in prison for his labours the Apostle Paul
said in 2 Tim. 4:16 At my first answer [that is at his defence at his trial] no
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 2

man stood with me, but all men forsook me: Just imagine anyone thinking Paul
was a failure in the ministry.
b. TURN >> John 6:61-66 Jesus, in His omniscience, knowing the hearts of
His followers, commented that some of the throng of self-professed disciples
in fact did not believe. Moreover, He had known from the beginning who
they were, including Judas who would betray Him. We dont have that
advantage, but the reality is some folks wont stay no matter who the
preacher is because of what the message is!
c. Why did Jesus words cause many of his followers to desert him?
1) They may have realized that he wasnt going to be the conquering
Messiah-King they expected.
2) It may have been because He refused to give in to their self-centred
requests.
3) They may have been offended because He emphasized faith, not deeds
or works in their attempts to earn salvation.
4) To the hard-hearted His teachings were difficult to understand, and
some of his words were offensive.
a) As we grow in our faith, we may be tempted to turn away because
Jesus lessons are difficult. Will your response be to give up, ignore
certain teachings, or reject Christ?
b) Why not instead, ask God to show you what the teachings mean and
how they apply to your life. Then have the courage to act on Gods
truth.
2. The preacher is not necessarily a failure when the number of unsaved folks
reached is few.
a. Remember, God spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly"
(2 Peter 2:5).
b. Paul said in Eph. 4 that the pastors job was to mature the saints, for the work
of the ministry.
c. God has given HIS CHURCHES NOT JUST THE PASTOR the enormous
responsibilityto make disciples in every nation (Matthew 28:18-20).
1) This involves preaching, teaching, healing, nurturing, giving,
administering, building, and many other tasks.
2) If we had to fulfill this command as individuals, we might as well give
up without tryingit would be impossible. But God calls us as members
of His body in every assembly, in every town, and country fulfill His
Great Commission.
3) As the local body of Christ, we can accomplish more together than we
would dream possible working by ourselves. Each and every one of us is
an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
4) Some of us can do one task; some can do another. Together we can obey
God more fully than any of us could alone. It is a human tendency to
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 3

overestimate what we can do by ourselves and to underestimate what

we can do as a group.
Let me illustrate the foolishness of comparing one another with each other.
I would think that every one knows what an ear of corn or maize is and that there are
numerous varietiessome sweet corn, some grown for animal feed, some for popcorn, some
have yellow kernels, some white and others multi-coloured. There are big long ears and
small short ears. Corn or maize comes in numerous sized, colours, and varieties.
Who determines each of these different kinds? Who determines the size, the number of rows
of the kernels and as to the number of kernels in each row? Is it not God? Is it not in their
genes, i.e. their DNA? Could man not genetically modify a particular kind of corn? In either
case, what part does the seed of the corn have to do with the process? Absolutely, nothing! It
is the way it is because that is the way it is!
The same is true of men and women. Which one of us has control of the colour of your hair,
eyes or skin? Who of us can dictate our looks, height or body framewhether is one that is
skinny, tall short, heavy or big-boned? The truth of the matter is not one of us! Though God
can change an old rotten sinner into a godly saint, i.e. his character our natures that which
is inherent within us is for the most part how we are wired. We say someone is good at
maths or they are a genius when it comes to computers, but they cant cook a lick. That is
why someone who may be very good with people has no skills with machinery or visa-versa.
Some people may have the ability to win a 100 people to Christ while others on win 30. The
Lord Jesus Christ said in Matt. 13:23, But he that received seed into the good ground is he that
heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an
hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. If person gets save and reproduces a 100 and another 30,
both have done so by the grace of God. The seed has no control over its capability to
reproduce. One has to take into account the genetic make-up of the seed, the diligence of the
sower, the receptivity of the soil and unpredictability of the weather.
BUT NOTE, with all things being equal the seed that produces 30 and was genetically able to
produce 30 accomplished 100% of what it was made for, while the seed that could produce a
100 and only produced 70 failed at its design even though it produced twice as much as any
other seed. So, it is with the winning of lost souls. We are to do our best for the Lordthe
results are His. The question isare we faithful?
2Cor. 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that
commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among
themselves, are not wise.
3. The preacher is not necessarily a failure when the problems and pressures are
great.
a. Troubles and problems are a part of everyday living and it is no different in
our service to God.
b. Paul faced obstacles and trials in every step of his ministry. He faced jail,
beatings, mockings and all kinds of abuse. He said in 2 Cor. 1:8 "For we
would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that
we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of
life."
c. In fact, it would be strange that one who was trying to do the work of the
ministry did not have difficulties and problems. Peter said, Beloved, think it
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 4

not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you: 13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs
sufferings; (1Pet. 4:12-13).
4. The preacher is not to see himself as a failure when the compensation is meagre
and even ordinary things that others have are beyond the preacher's income.
Paul said the Philippian church, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)
B. Failure!
What an awful, devastating word that is to every preacher and to every servant of God who
loves the Lord and lives to serve Him. It is a word filled with impotence and reproach.
To fail our Lord and to fail in our calling is a heart-rending experience.
I would guess that most preachers often feel like they have failed to accomplish everything
that God has for them and, perhaps that is normal and even and healthy since it keeps them
on their faces before the Lord pleading for His grace and power to be manifested in their
lives.
What is unhealthy and unfair are the criteria by which failure is judged. I believe that far too
many preachers are unfairly judged to be a failure by their peers, and by the very people to
whom they minister every week, and most horribly by themselves. It sad also to note that
there is distain in judgement as expressed to missionaries by some of their financial
supporters for not producing, i.e. not having enough ambiguous results. What is the point of
reporting 100s of souls saved and only have half-dozen unbaptized, un-discipled people
attending a Bible study?
And so I ask, "At what point is a preacher a failure?" It is a very important question to be
asked since it greatly affects how preachers feel about themselves and their ministries.
Ministers for Christ are stewards of the mysteries of God. The word steward literally means
one who is the law of the house or custodian. Mysteries refer to those truths of God,
which cannot be discovered by man but must be revealed by God. Paul said in Eph. 3:2-4,
Eph. 3:2-5 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery5] Which in other ages was not
made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the
Spirit; Therefore, a ministers/pastors responsibility is to serve as the custodian of Gods
revealed truths!
I think the Bible alone should provide the criteria for discerning what is failure and what is
success.
C. BUT FOR SURE A preacher is a failure when these things 10 things happen in
spite of whatever numerical results or following he may have:
1. When he compromises his preaching, embellishing or trimming it to please his
hearers. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears" (2 Timothy 3:2-3)
a. In a moment of excitement or in response to some thrilling statement an
eager Bible student, or church member will say, preach it, or that will
preach enticing the speaker to say more of the same not realising to what
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 5

he is amening is worldly or totally humanistic in its application. BUT

pleasing to the flesh.
b. One preacher confided in me that he wouldnt preach on the subject of
baptism as it offended some of his members who associated with Protestant
baby baptisers.
2. A preacher is a failure when his preaching is wishy-washy and vacillating.
a. Inevitably in every old western cowboy movie the cavalry comes over the
hill in response to buglers sound to arms. What a disaster it would be for the
bugler to blow taps or reveille when the need was to charge the enemy?
"For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the
battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8)
b. For almost 20-yrs. a missionary pastor preached nearly every message on
love or some other devotional topic all the while the church had feminine
looking men, worldly dress standards, members promoting rock music and
the charismatic movement. Eventually, this otherwise good brother rallied to
paint the spiritual barn after the horses bolted and split the church twice.
3. On the other hand, a preacher is a failure when his preaching is void of love
and compassion. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
4. A preacher is a failure when his heart is not burdened for the souls of men.
"Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."
(Romans 10:1)
a. The ministry is just thata ministry in serving and reaching out to the lost.
Psa. 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
b. It is NOT a job that at 5pm you punch your time card and go home leaving
all the cares of your work behind until 8am the following morning. Souls are
dying 24 hrs. a day, 7-days a week, every month of the year.
5. A preacher is a failure when his preaching does not point people to Christ.
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they
believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a
preacher?" (Romans 10:14)
6. A preacher is a failure when his preaching is more geared to appearing
eloquent and wise, than to sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The apostle Pau said,
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Cor. 2:4)
7. A preacher is a failure when his ethical behaviour toward his congregation and
the ministry in reaching the lost is deceptive. "Therefore seeing we have this
ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things
of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight
of God." (2 Cor. 4:1-2)
Internet news sites for March 13, 2015 report: The ministry of a prominent Georgia mega-
church pastor and evangelist who teaches that God wants to bless the faithful with earthly
riches is seeking donations to buy a luxury plane. Televangelist, Creflo Dollar, is calling for
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 6

supporters to help him buy a luxury jet valued at more than $67 million for his evangelistic
world travel. The appeal website suggests that 200,000 people could commit to giving $300 or
more to fund the project.
The appeal said: "We believe it is time to replace this aircraft so that our Pastors and staff can
continue to safely and swiftly share the Good News of the Gospel worldwide. Believe it or
not, there are still millions of people on this planet who have never heard of Jesus Christ and
know nothing of His greatness. Our hearts desire to see precious lives changed and snatched
out of darkness and thrust into His marvellous light! We need your help to continue reaching
a lost and dying world for the Lord Jesus Christ."
Has this man ever heard of world-wide missions and missionaries? How many national
pastors in 3rd world countries could be trained and supported with this kind of money? How
many coach class tickets could be purchased for $68 million? Well at $500 a ticket you could
purchase 136,000 tickets i.e. one ticket a day for the next 373-yrs.
The website of Creflo Dollar Ministries asked people to "Sow your love gift of any amount"
to help the ministry buy a Gulfstream G650 airplane. Dollar and his wife, Taffi, are co-pastors
of World Changers International Church in College Park, just south of Atlanta, Ga.
Dollar is one of the most prominent African-American preachers based around Atlanta who
have built successful ministries on the prosperity gospel. Ministers in this tradition often
hold up their own wealth as evidence that the teaching works.
Dollar said in a 2007 interview with The Associated Press that he renounced his church
salary, and his income comes only from personal investments, including a real estate
business and horse breeding company called Dollar Ranch. He's also published more than 30
books, focusing mostly on family and life issues, including debt management.
He says he can get up to $100,000 for a single appearance on his packed schedule of speaking
engagements.
8. A preacher is a failure when he is unfaithful to his marriage vows. "A bishop
[i.e. preacher/pastor] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober,
of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach" (1st Timothy 3:2)
9. A preacher is a failure when his children do not respect and obey him. If a
pastor has children at home he should be "One that ruleth well his own house,
having his children in subjection with all gravity" (1 Tim 3:4)
10. A preacher is a failure when what he is paid is more important than obeying
God in where he should serve. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:10-11)

CONCLUSION:
I believe that many preachers who are labelled as failures are going to be seen as faithful
servants when we reach the other side and are up in glory.
It is a sad thing, though, to see so many preachers, so many servants of God who are hurting
now because they feel like they are failures.
I believe that on that day when the Lord reveals all hidden things, some who are considered
successful now will be ashamed at the revelation of truth.
 At What Point is a Preacher a Failure? 7

As far as preachers are concerned, my friend,

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1Cor 4:2).
Nothing else really counts with God.

22 March 2015, Morn. River Valley BC Leixlip, Co. Kildare