Episode 29: Why You Should Share the Pulpit

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner about “Sharing the Pulpit”

This seems like an odd topic, but for Brandon and me, we have not seen this done very often or even very well.

Why is that so? Why don’t pastor like to share the pulpit? What are the benefits from having multiple different people speaking from the pulpit up front?

Some highlights from today’s episode.

• Tradition itself is not bad. It can be good. In this case, this tradition is not so good.

• Seminary can train people in classroom, but churches have great opportunity to give preaching.
• Preachers, they need a break! Whether that is a reality or not, it is a true statement.

• “Wait, why is the pastor not preaching? I thought we pay him to preach?”

• Charles Spurgeon shared the pulpit with D.L. Moody. They both opposite theological spectrum.

• A shepherd must “guard” the flock from those who are outside.

• “Hey if you need anyone to preach, I am available” That is RED FLAG! Protect the pulpit.

Here’s the breakdown outline from today’s conversation.

1. Why Don’t People Share the Pulpit?

– There is a feeling that you share the pulpit, “This is MY SPACE!”

– Pulpit represents power and authority.

– Jewish synagogue: a rabbi will give a message up front (tradition of the Jews).

– Plurality of pastor is a biblical model. Not a solo pastor. Why? Cause there’s no perfect pastor.

2. What are the PROS to sharing the Pulpit?

– We are giving people experience.

– Give a break for the regular preaching pastors.

– Diverse gift set of spiritual gifts from multiple preachers.

– “Limited Grace Period” = time to learn and grow in preaching.

– “How pleasant it is when brothers united in harmony” (Ps 133:1).

3. What are the CONS to sharing the Pulpit?

– People may say something you disagree with.

– “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Tim 3:6).

– Internship program, residency training, pastoral leadership pipeline can be good training.

– Learn the basics by teaching how to focus on the Bible.

4. Moving Forward…..

– Homiletical Movement in the preaching outline. These are very helpful.

– Not only bible colleges or seminaries, but the local church should train next generations.

– I wish I had the training of preaching. If pulpit sharing happened, I would’ve been prepared.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

• The Majesty’s Men

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