As we look back at history, David Lipscomb (1831-1917) was one of the most influential men associated with the Restoration Movement. With his work as editor of the Gospel Advocate, it can be argued that he was the most influential preacher in the South during his life. Regardless of this, Lipscomb did not consider himself a “big preacher” and did not wish to become one.
“We are our own proof-reader, mailer and clerk for the Advocate—as yet, (he wrote). We have no big preachers in Tennessee now—we are glad they are all gone. Our little men are all earnestly at work; and wherever the looking for ‘big preachers’ can be crushed out, the word of the Lord saves, and souls are greatly added to the Lord” (The Life and Times of David Lipscomb, p. 121).
This was a response to an invitation from J. H. Banton of Huntsville, Texas that he come to Texas for the winter. Lipscomb surely could have expanded his influence in that region by spending a few months preaching in Texas, but he replied that he was too busy to come. A “big preacher” may have answered that invitation differently. After all, this would have been an opportunity for one to expand his reach in the brotherhood. While there is certainly nothing wrong with accepting invitations to preach, the decision to accept or deny those requests must be made based upon what is best for the cause of Christ, not what is best for the reputation of the preacher.
There are two ways that one can become a “big preacher” – either by promoting himself or by being elevated to that status by his brethren. Both should be avoided.
Our emphasis needs to be on the message, not the messenger. Paul wrote, “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7). Though we might consider Paul a “big preacher,” he considered himself merely a bond-servant and an earthen vessel that was to be used to proclaim the gospel of Christ.
There is a danger that comes when men are elevated higher than they should be. This happened in Corinth and Paul addressed it in his first epistle to that church: “Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). No man has the power to save us – only Jesus can do that. Therefore, we can only follow men as they lead us to follow the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 1:6-9). If we elevate some preacher above the gospel of Christ, then “the cross of Christ [has been] made void” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Preachers: do not be seeking to make a name for yourself; instead, seek to be doing your work. Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. […] But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2, 5). We may not be well-known in the brotherhood, but what matters is that we are known by the Lord.
Poor bro. Lipscomb would weep over the fact that his college is crawling with “big preachers.”
Sorry I wasn’t able to read this when it was first published. I agree completely. It isn’t just Lipscomb that has “big preachers.” They are much more commonplace, though I wish I could say they were not. As you wrote, our focus must be on the message, not the man. Occasionally, I feel slighted because I don’t have the attention some of the “big preachers” get, but then I remember Jesus was not that popular with the Jews, as he?