I have always been a fan of inviting guest preachers to share with a congregation, providing the church with edifying exposure to many faithful voices in the Christian community. Hearing encouragements from the mission field or other areas of ministry can build unity and expand our perspective beyond our own small worlds. Yet there is also a danger in bringing in outside speakers. God has charged pastors and elders with protecting the flock (Acts 20:28–31). Part of that responsibility is exercising due diligence in vetting those who stand before the church to teach.
I learned this the hard way. Early in my ministry, I was contacted by a member of a sister church who suggested we host a certain speaker. I asked for his name and did some quick research. I didn’t find much information — nothing alarming — but also nothing reassuring. In hindsight, I realize I did not dig deeply enough. I should have asked why their home church wasn’t hosting him. I should have reached out to trusted contacts to see if anyone had experience with this individual. But in my desire to be welcoming and helpful, I pressed forward.
We began promoting the event, and the speaker was scheduled for a midweek service. The day before he was to arrive, I received a message from another local pastor, thrilled that this man would be speaking. He mentioned they were personal friends and that his congregation planned to attend as well. My heart sank. While I like this pastor as a person, I had — and still have — serious concerns about his theology and his associations with groups known for dangerous teachings. At best, they were compromising by flirting with false teachers.
Thankfully, the evening came and went without anything overtly problematic being taught. The most unusual moment was when the speaker led us in an out-loud prayer to rebuke a hurricane approaching his hometown in Florida. While not necessarily heretical, it felt foreign and confusing to my congregation. I was able to help them process it (I had been around much of this kind of thing in college), but it left me more convinced than ever of the importance of discernment.
That experience drove home the lesson that pastors and elders must be vigilant. Those who share from our pulpits must be “approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This applies not only to guest speakers from outside the church, but also to members within the congregation who may be asked to fill the pulpit in the pastor’s absence. Before extending such invitations, we must ensure that those entrusted with God’s Word are trained and capable of teaching it faithfully.
This is not a matter of personal preference, as Paul confronted in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1–3). This is about guarding the preaching and teaching ministry of the church with the utmost seriousness. The pulpit is not for anyone who is simply willing to speak or skilled at holding attention. It is for those who know the Word of God, understand it rightly and can faithfully exhort, rebuke and strengthen the church.
Church, pray for and seek out godly teachers who take God’s Word and theology seriously. Do the hard work — work that I once failed to do — of carefully vetting those who speak to your congregation.
There are many resources to help equip faithful teachers: books, courses, seminars and the wisdom of experienced pastors who can mentor those called to preach. MTI also provides training for those who want to build a strong foundation in Scripture and ministry. This path is not quick or easy, but it is deeply rewarding for both the learner and the church. By contrast, those unwilling to invest the time, energy and resources needed to be instructed in God’s Word should not be given prominence in the teaching ministries of the church.
One Response
Thank you, Mike, for this excellent article! This is something I tried to practice when pastoring. In my years of serving as a guest preacher and teacher, I have greatly appreciated those who invited me and took the time to get to know me. Blessings! — Willie