300. New Preaching Rotation
Starting from 2023, preaching rotation will change as the following: Out of 50 Sundays (52 minus two joint services), I will be preaching 30 times and Pastor Anthony 20 times. (Exact numbers may change) I remain as the main communicator, but I am glad to have a competent partner in preaching.
The first reason for this change is structural. If we had a separate youth service, Pastor Anthony will get to preach every Sunday. But since we do intergenerational service, unless I adjust my preaching frequency, Pastor Anthony would have no opportunity to preach.
The second reason is practical. I have been preaching for almost 15 years, and I have preached at least 45 times or more every year. I love the responsibility of preaching as I see it as my primary calling, but occasionally, I felt like I am giving more than I receive as I couldn’t take a break except on my annual vacation. Moreover, from a congregation’s standpoint, listening from the same speaker week in and week out may take away the freshness from the message.
Pastor Anthony’s preaching frequency has steadily increased over the last two years and I heard nothing but good feedback. I received a lot from his preaching as well. So, I feel very comfortable sharing more of the preaching responsibility with him, and confident it will be beneficial for our congregation.
Preaching has been my main pastoral identity for the last 15 years. My goal has always been to preach a better message through thick and thin. But I felt like God was guiding me to redirect more of my time to equipping leaders and providing leadership in this new season. Reduced preaching frequency will give me more time to think, read, prepare new teachings and connect with my church members.
I am excited to preach as a team with pastor Anthony, and looking forward to seeing him grow into a better communicator and leader. When many young pastors struggle to stay in ministry, I feel very privileged to work together and invest in his ministry journey for the long term. “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
