The Value of Knowing the Scoop
By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Keep Studying the Word
“Never stop studying. Make certain that you have that Bible open and you have your heart set on gleaning from it, truth to live by. Truth to guide your ministry.”
Give an Account of Your Hope with Gentleness
“You don’t have to be perfect, by any means, but you need to be consistent. You’re making [a defense] to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you, and please notice it’s done with gentleness and reverence. I love that. Not arrogance and pride.”
Elders Are Looking for Pastors with Heart
“Even elders that are looking for pastors will care very little about your academic ability. They’ll care about your heart. They’ll care about your attitude. They’ll care about your thoughtfulness and the way you treat your partner in life—your spouse and your children. They’ll care about your responses to life’s contingencies. They’ll care about your character.”
The Dangers of Knowledge
“Knowledge can be dangerous when it lacks scriptural support. Always be sure you have biblical support for the truth. Just because you know about this, doesn’t mean you know about all. Your knowledge is limited. Learn to say it and learn to repeat it, “I don’t know.” I’ve never been criticized for saying that. “I don’t know.” And leave it at that. Second, knowledge can be dangerous when it becomes an end in itself. Third, knowledge can be dangerous when it isn’t balanced with love and grace. We’ve talked about that. Knowledge can be dangerous when it remains theoretical. When it isn’t mixed with discernment.”
Set Apart Christ as Lord
“‘Set apart Christ as Lord in your hearts . . .’ (1 Peter 3:15). Man, that’s invaluable. ‘Set apart Christ as Lord.’ You’re my Lord. You’re the One I want to please. You’re my Master. I’m just a shepherd. I’m just a voice. You’re the Word. So, I bow before You, Lord, and I wait upon You to guide me in this situation.”
The Duty of the Learned Life “The learned life, then, is for some a duty. That’s for us. You and I have a duty to live out the learned life. Learn from the truth, honed through the dailiness of tests and trials, shaped by discernment, characterized by a sensitive spirit and a humble heart. Keep it up. Stay at it.”
Additional Resources
First, sign up for our Chuck’s Insights on Ministry email where we bring you his best thoughts on preaching, leadership, and ministry each week. By signing up, you’ll instantly receive a one-page checklist with 20 preaching insights from Chuck. See this page’s sidebar.
Second, check out our new Preach The Word articles and video series on YouTube where we’re teaching Chuck’s best insights on this important calling.
Third, listen to Chuck’s messages to those in ministry through our Seminary Chapels page. For decades, he offered students at Dallas Theological Seminary his best thoughts on church leadership and ministry. Now, we have put them at your finger tips. Also, you can find them through this YouTube playlist we created for you.
Fourth, if you don’t own a copy of Chuck’s book on preaching, Saying It Well, we highly recommend you add it to your library. It’s his preaching memoir that is also like a practical preaching manual. You won’t be able to put it down.
About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
