The Minister⤒🔗

We should never a think that it is easy for a minister to make a sermon because he has studied for it. Making a sermon can never be a matter of routine. Understanding the Scriptures does not just come through natural gifts. In general we know how a sermon is born. The minister chooses the text. Usually, he will make sure that during the year there is a certain balance between texts taken from the Old and from the New Testament. He will study the text while using the rules for exe­gesis, and will consider the context, then try to find what the Lord is teaching in this part of the Scriptures. Next, he can explain and show how the text is relevant for our faith and how it has bearing upon our life in Christ. It has been said that in his study the minister is to preach to himself first. I believe it is essential. He has to submit to the authority of God's Word. Only then, as a servant and instrument of the Lord, he will be able to deliver the message. That is what the congregation will hear, and that is what the elders are listening to.

We all know that no sermon is perfect; there is no perfect min­ister. The minister himself will be the first to say so. It is not difficult to find weaknesses. But when we just look for weak­nesses and close our eyes for the strength of a minister and for the gifts God gave him, we not only do injustice to him as a person, but we also misunderstand the way the Lord sends us preachers. We then better read again how the apostle Paul writes about Christ's ambassadors. They have the treasure of God's Word in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7. "Not by power nor by might, but by My Spirit," says the LORD).

The Elders←⤒🔗

Since elders are not directly involved in sermon preparation, and in most cases have not received formal theological train­ing, it can be asked whether they are able to truly supervise the preaching. The answer is a wholehearted "Yes!" if and when they themselves submit to God's Word; if and when they acquaint themselves more and more with the Scriptures; or ­as the form for their ordination says — when they train them­selves in godliness and diligently search the Scriptures. The answer is "Yes!" if and when they prayerfully rely on the promises the Lord gives them for their office. They have to watch not only over the flock, but also over themselves, as Paul says in Acts 20. Having faithful elders for the upbuilding of the Church is a blessing from the Lord.

Article 73 (of the Canadian Reformed Church Order—editor) does not set a time or timetable for the evaluation of the preaching. This means that consistories can decide when to place it on the agenda. There is a great variety in this respect and there are different customs. I have the impression that some consistories seldom, if ever, have evaluation of the preaching as a separate item on the agenda. Is that dishonour­ing (the church order)? Not necessarily. I can envision a consistories not having that item on the agenda, yet speaking about the preaching quite frequently. They may do so when, for instance, visits in the congregation are discussed and when spe­cial needs are mentioned. At that time the elders may give the minister worthwhile advice and helpful hints in a relaxed atmosphere. It is not unthinkable that the minister himself will use the opportunity to ask the elders whether his preaching and the presentation of sermons are edifying and profitable for the congregation. With such an approach it is hardly necessary to have evaluation of the preaching as a special item. It has also the advantage of constant and immediate interaction between minister and elders, instead of observing a waiting period until the appointed time of the agenda.

Mutual Censure←⤒🔗

The Church Order requires that "mutual censure" will take place some way or another. The office bearers should not work besides each other individualistically. They have a corporate responsibility and have to function as a body. It is understand­able that especially the larger consistories with a busy agenda want to make sure that this censure is not forgotten. They may prefer to set a special time, for instance, every three or four months, for the evaluation of the preaching.

The procedure is familiar. The chairman will ask the brothers if anyone has something to say about the preaching. It is quite possible that some elders, even if they would like to say some­thing, are hesitant to speak up, afraid that they would give the impression of being unduly critical. That may be an admirable attitude, yet, it is not correct. It defeats the purpose of this Christian censure. Another extreme may be that elders who have been saving their remarks, now use the opportunity to relieve their conscience. The result may be that the minister is buried under an avalanche of well-meant advice. We should not think lightly about the task of the elders. It is a serious one and a delicate one. It requires wisdom and tact, and above all a brotherly spirit.

Kindly Admonition←⤒🔗

The Church Order tells us that the office bearers should admonish one another kindly. The word "kindly" finds a place here not as a result of modern psychology. It dates back to the early days of the Reformed Churches. In the Church Order of 1578 we read the rule "that the Christian admonitions should be done in love." Eight years later, 1586, it was changed to "kindly admonish one anoth­er." That was more than 400 years ago. The early fathers were well aware that this censure could be misused by someone for personal reasons or to just show one's authority as an elder.

Now, again, what can be discussed? I have already mentioned the most important ques­tion: Is the consistory convinced that the preaching is in accor­dance with the Scriptures? Are God's promises in Christ pro­claimed and is the congregation admonished to live in holiness before the Lord according to their obligations to Him? The consistory may also expect that the minister pays sufficient attention to the explanation of the text, to clarity in his pre­sentation, and that he applies God's Word to the congregation in their various circumstances. Elders can be of great help for understanding the special needs of the congregation. They may be closer to the membership than the minister. The consistory is also to make sure that the minister has sufficient time for study, and that he edifies the congregation in accordance with the talents he has received. Elders should not try to press the minister into their own mould and according to their own preferences. Every minister has his own personality; he has his own system of doing work and his own way of approaching people.

When it is necessary to make remarks about the ministry, the elders should beforehand know what they are going to speak about and organize their thoughts. Bluntly starting by criticiz­ing the minister does not show wisdom and discretion. The best way in my opinion is to begin with questions to give the minister time to answer. His reply may even solve a problem immediately. Never be impressed if the minister would say, "I know because I studied at (seminary)." But the elders should listen when he says, "This is what the Scriptures say."

The elders may not always agree with the minister. And that is not necessary either. But there should always be mutual respect. Mutual censure is meant to assist and to encourage each other. If the result of the evaluation of the preaching is that the minister becomes depressed, there must have been something lacking, something missing in the discussion. And if a minister is to do his work in sadness, it is of no advantage to the congregation (Heb 13:17).

Time Table←⤒🔗

I mentioned already that in smaller consistories the preach­ing may be discussed quite often, e.g., during reports of family visits and in discussions about the needs of the congregation. It could be a great opportunity for a relaxed and frank exchange of thoughts. And should there not be regular personal contact of the elders with the minister and of the minister with the elders? Should they not share the joy and the difficulties of their office? And should the door of the minister's study not always be open for an elder who may have questions about the preaching? The supervision of the preaching means brotherly cooperation. And that should not be restricted to a consistory meeting.

For the Benefit of Christ's Church←⤒🔗

In closing allow me to give some personal examples. When one elder was going to make some remarks about my preach­ing he always started out graciously. He would say, "That was very good, pastor, but...." A compliment was given before crit­icism. Or many years ago as a new and inexperienced minister I had an elder in the consistory who took a piece of paper and wrote down what he believed was lacking in my approach. After a few weeks he slipped that paper into my hands and said, "You should read that." I am sure he never talked to his fellow elders about it. And from him I received wonderful advice. I admit, he also listed some of his personal hobby-hors­es. And I would tell him when I did not agree with him. But it created trust and a brotherly atmosphere. It is sermon evalua­tion that flows from that trust and kindness and a true broth­erly atmosphere which will benefit Christ's congregation.