Text: 2 Timothy 4:5
Timothy was told to “do the work of an evangelist.” But how would this be done? There are different theories among brethren about having a “located preacher.” Many (perhaps most) congregations of God’s people have a located preacher. Some practice “mutual edification.” What does the Bible say on this topic?
The Matter of Authority
- Fundamental question – Is there authority for a congregation to have a located preacher?
- Not – Is it common? … in many instances, the majority may be wrong (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Not – Is it convenient? … we must all be working, not paying a preacher to work in place of us (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- Not – Is it helpful? … important consideration, but not primary (1 Corinthians 10:23)
- We must have authority for all that we do in service to God (Colossians 3:17) – this issue is no different
Possible Ways an Evangelist May Operate
- An evangelist may work with an established congregation for an extended period of time – this is usually called a “located preacher”
- An evangelist may travel from place to place planting new churches, then moving on after a brief stay
- An evangelist may work with several congregations in a city/region
Is There Authority for a “Located Preacher”?
- No prohibition against having a “located preacher” – we should be careful here because something can be unauthorized even without a specific prohibition (Hebrews 7:14); but it’s worth noting in light of the next point
- There is no uniform pattern for how an evangelist is to operate – some traveled planting churches (Acts 14:21-23); some worked with more than one congregation in an area (Titus 1:5); some worked with a congregation for an extended period of time (Acts 20:31; 1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 8:40 – 21:8)
- Having a “located preacher” is a matter of expediency (1 Corinthians 10:23) – authorized, but not required
Potential Dangers of a “Located Preacher”
- Those who oppose the concept of a “located preacher” cite certain dangers that may arise – potential dangers do not prohibit a practice, but they are worthy of consideration
- The “pastor mentality” – the idea that the preacher is the leader in the church; elders are to oversee (Acts 20:28); we are not to follow men, but Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)
- Congregational dependence – the idea that the only way the lost are taught is if the preacher does it; all Christians have a role to play in this (1 Peter 3:15; Acts 8:4)
A “Located Preacher” is Unnecessary
- A congregation can survive without a “located preacher” (Acts 15:36)
- But there are challenges – teaching done in the assembly (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:3-5); upholding the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
- Role of elders – shepherd & feed the flock (Acts 20:28); must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
A “Located Preacher” is Helpful
- For evangelism (Acts 19:8-10)
- For edification (Ephesians 4:11-12, 16)
- For training (2 Timothy 2:2)
Conclusion
- A “located preacher” is authorized as an expedient, but it is not required
- Therefore, each congregation must determine what authorized option will best help it do its work – then, we must not take our authorized expedient & bind it upon others
