I’ve always had a soft spot for gospel preachers. I grew up watching my dad preach and saw that he loved (most) every minute of it. My family met, worked with, and loved many wonderful people because of his efforts. I married a preacher who immensely enjoys what he does, and I hope our now-grown sons look back with the same positive impressions.

As it is with any profession, there are preachers who don’t represent the job well. Their motives can be less than pure, or their messages can come across as self-righteous or arrogant or showy or apathetic. However, I truly believe that most gospel preachers simply love the Lord and desire share His Word to the best of their ability and with all their heart!

Every time we gather as a church for worship, we hear the saving Truth because of someone’s diligent study and courage. I’m thankful for that!

My wise sister, Kristy Woodall (also married to a preacher), said:

“If you love your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend. But if you don’t like your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend.”

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

(Romans 10:14-15)