Ministers

“Preach the word…Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” II Timothy 4:2, 5

The New Testament church had those who were dedicated to the ministry of preaching and teaching the Word of God. Timothy and Titus are two examples of men who traveled with Paul in evangelistic efforts and were often left to serve in local work. (I Timothy 1:3; Titus 1:5) Their responsibility was to “preach the word!”…. do the work of an evangelist and fulfill your ministry”. (II Timothy 4:2-5) Of course, their “ministry” included many things such as teaching the lost, edifying the saved, defending the truth against false teachers, setting in order whatever was lacking, providing direction and example for the church, etc. Preachers, like the deacons, teachers and all members are to serve under the general oversight of the elders in the local church. The preacher was not “the pastor” in the New Testament church, nor was he elevated with religious titles as “Reverend”, “Father”, or “Bishop”. All religious titles originated with men seeking higher honors hundreds of years after the Lord established his church and gave complete instructions concerning every thing we do. (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:3)