Minister of Education Reports

                    HOW TO CONDUCT YOURSELF DURING PREACHING

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church  of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15)   

1.       LISTEN WELL; LISTEN INTENTLY. Look to God for a message. 1 Peter 4:11 says the speaker is to be the oracle of God, meaning the mouthpiece of God. If you listen carefully and seek something from the Lord, you can be edified every. God used Solomon to write three important books of the Bible, including the book of Proverbs, which is the book of wisdom. He uses preachers too.

2.       LISTEN DISCERNINGLY. The Bible warns that we must not put our trust in man (Jer. 17:5). We must carefully test all preaching by the Word of God (Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 14:29).

3.       LISTEN STUDIOUSLY (2 Tim. 2:15). Have paper and pen ready so that you can capture something from the message. Write things in your Bible (important things, such as cross references, definitions, important thoughts). Take notes of the important points. This will help you remember what is preached.

4.       SIT RESPECTFULLY AND ALERTLY Examples of what not to do: slouching; leaning on your elbows with head down; chewing gum. These send signals you are not interested in what the preacher is saying. Remember that others are watching you. Your attitude affects the preacher, those sitting around you, and the entire atmosphere of the service

5.       DON'T DISTRACT OTHERS Examples of things that distract others: talking and writing notes; making noise (i.e., cracking your fingers), playing with babies; doing nails, and kids looking at people behind them. Another example is leaving the service to go to the restroom. Parents should make sure that their children don't develop this distracting habit that is extremely dishonoring to the Word of God being preached. There is plenty of time to go to the bathroom before and after the services. Of course, if an individual has a medical or health problem that requires him or her to leave the service, that is a different matter altogether.

6.       TREAT THE INVITATION SERIOUSLY Respond to the invitation as Lord leads and pray for others. Be careful not to distract others during the invitation. Be conscious of their need.

[Adapted from Way of Life Literature's Fundamental Baptist Information Service]