WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD BE PREACHER?

WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD BE PREACHER?

A small independent free-ministry church was looking for a preacher. It had a previous part-time pastor who was a good Christian, but he did not work out. Lacking anyone in the congregation to be part of the lay ministry, they formed a search committee of 3 and began a search for a lay preacher. They asked church members to spread the word and try to find prospects. They even posted a notice on a bulletin board in a local hospital and contacted other churches. After several months, all they had was two prospects. They both happened to be doctors.
The committee explained to the prospective preachers that they desperately needed someone just to preach on Sundays, and the deacons would take care of everything else. They said each doctor would be interviewed by the search committee, and a time for interviews was established. During the first interviews both doctors were grilled on spiritual knowledge. Both doctors amazed the committee members and passed with flying colors. How could the committee make a decision? They only wanted to hire one preacher. The committee chairman came up with a unique idea on how to judge which doctor could give the best sermon. Each doctor was told to prepare a speech trying to convince them to be their patients. The doctors were told to pretend the committee members did not like going to a doctor and did not go to the doctor unless it was an emergency. A time for second interviews was set up.

The first doctor gave had a stunning PowerPoint presentation, giving a brief account of medical history and how the medical field has grown. He also had several short stories about some of the great doctors and scientists who made medicine what it is today. He was very animated and full of energy. He even explained how he handles medical insurance claims. Next, the doctor gave his impressive biography with many achievements. He ended by giving his address and office hours. Finally, he gave every committee member a coupon for a free office visit. He then sat down to hardy applause.

When the other doctor heard the applause, he became a little depressed. He just told himself to say what comes naturally and put the rest in God’s hands. Now it was his turn and he went into the room. He bowed his head, said a silent prayer, and took a deep breath. He then looked the committee chairman straight in the eyes and asked him, “What is your worst medical problem?” The chairman said, “I have mild diabetes, but I just watch what I eat. The doctor asked him if he monitored his blood sugar. The chairman explained he does not like pricking his finger all the time and, quite frankly, fears having to get regular shots of insulin.

The doctor pulled out a ring and laid it on the table. He said the newest thing is a ring that monitors your blood sugar level and is read on a cell phone. The doctor then takes the chairman’s phone, downloads the app and shows the chairman how to read the results. The doctor then pulls out a packet from his medical bag and lays it on the table. He explained that in this packet is a patch that is worn on the arm and administers insulin without an injection. He then gives the ring and packet to the chairman. (The other committee members think about their own medical problems.) The doctor ends by saying that preaching is primarily about getting others to admit their problems and to seek the help that only God can give. All the committee members were in stunning silence as the doctor left the room.

The lesson should be obvious. A preacher’s most important job is not to tell stories or just talk about God, but to bring people to God. If one convinces a person that God can help with his problems and bring him joy, he will accept God and want to know all about him. It doesn’t take much Bible study to realize why Jesus healed the sick and personally addressed peoples’ problems. When he did tell a parable, it was often addressed to the problem of a particular person or group. Jesus did not come to tell stories, but to bring salvation to those in need. Mark 2:17 NIV...... On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." You see, the doctor who was hired came to heal the sick, not educate the healthy. So it is with those wo share the Gospel, simply find out why the person you are speaking with needs Christ. Then, show him how accepting Jesus will change his life!