Book Review: ‘The Work of the Preacher is Working’

December 29, 2009 Matthew Keedy Clifton Book Reviews

by Matthew K. Clifton

The Work of the Preacher is Working by Thomas H. Holland
(Brentwood, TN: Penmann Books, 2001). 297 pp.

Preaching has the same huge temptation as any other independent work: laziness. If you own your own business, you are solely responsible for the output of that business. In a similar way, the preacher must be a self-starter, and not fall prey to laziness or distraction. Thomas Holland’s great book, The Work of the Preacher is Preaching, will help train preachers young and old to avoid the pitfalls of working independently.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Tom H. Holland has over 50 years of experience in preaching the gospel of Christ. He has worked with a variety of congregations and preached numerous gospel meetings throughout the country and abroad. His writing credits are too numerous to mention, but he is the author of such books on preaching such as Sermon Design and Delivery; Steps into the Pulpit; Preaching: Principles and Practice; and Encouraging Expository Preaching.

Format of Book

The copy of The Work of the Preacher is Working utilized for this review was a paperback edition, 5” x 8”. It is organized into 13 chapters, along with three appendices and a bibliography.

Style of Writing

Dr. Holland’s style of writing is at once academic and informal and friendly. One gets the idea he is listening to an old, good-natured preacher of the gospel when reading this book, full of advice and wisdom for the younger preacher. He is also very well-organized, and it is easy to find specific information in his book that you may want to read again.

Author’s Purpose

Holland’s purpose in writing this book is to encourage each up and coming generation of gospel preachers to not fall prey to laziness in the ministry. In his first chapter, Holland states there are three reasons why it is important to emphasize that the work of the preacher is working (p. 17). First, there is an influence in modern culture against hard work. Second, there is too much at stake (souls) not to do the work of the preacher. Finally, the nature of the work makes it subject to abuse. These are three things he hopes preachers can avoid by reading and studying this book.

Summary of Contents

In chapter one, Holland sets out the reason that it is important to emphasize hard work in preaching. He discusses the decline of the work ethic in America (pp. 17-18), and that since the work of an evangelist is doing the work of the Lord (pp. 19-24), working with the Lord (pp. 25-27), and working for the Lord (pp. 27-28), the faithful Christian worker cannot be lazy. In chapter two Holland discusses “The Preacher’s Ultimate Objective.” Chapter three is about the qualifications to be a preacher. “Mastering the Major Task of Preaching” is the subject of chapter four, and in chapter five he talks about “Surveying the Field of Labor.” A very valuable chapter is found in “The Preacher and Time Management,” and chapter seven is all about “The Preacher and Counseling.” In chapter eight Holland leads the reader in a discussion of “The Minister and Money,” and follows that with a section on “The Preacher’s Family.” Some special problem areas are discussed in chapter 10, which is followed by “Preacher: Friend or Foe?” in chapter 11. “The Preacher’s Citadel” is the title of the twelfth chapter, and the final chapter is “Perspectives on Patience and Perseverance.” The book is rounded out by three great appendices: one on suggestions for a preacher’s library, another with a wedding ceremony, and a third with a funeral sermon. Even the final bibliography is helpful in directing young preachers to good ministry resources.

Evaluation

One cannot say enough about the value of this book. Dr. Holland has set out to inspire the younger preacher to work, and he accomplishes this task ably and in a conversational manner. Among the most valuable chapters in this book is the section on “Surveying the Field of Labor.” In this section the reader is told about the various areas in which a minister will find himself at work. The oft-neglected area of personal evangelism is discussed (p. 98), a subject in which many young preachers need more training and encouragement. Visitation is discussed (p. 103), as well as a great explanatory section on preaching a funeral and ministering to a grieving family (p. 107). These are all areas that pop up on a young preacher, and if he is not ready, he will not do a good job. This section really helps a preacher be ready.

Perhaps the section that I needed to read the most is the chapter on “The Preacher and Time Management.” I am very guilty of being a poor time planner, and this book has helped me tremendously. On page 123, Holland tells the reader something that has been subconsciously known all along by every preacher: “the nature of his work is such that there will always be something that needs to be done.” How true this is, and how constructive to point this out early for young preachers of the gospel. Because of this section, I have also begun long-range planning, setting up sermon plans for an entire year in advance. This will take a burden off of my study time during the weeks and increase my time for visiting.

The chapter on “The Preacher and Counseling” was very useful in that it shows the limits a preacher needs to set on what kind of counseling he will do. It must be from the Bible. I loved the three questions Gus Nichols asked of anyone seeking counseling (pp. 140-141). I will begin using these questions myself.

Money issues, family issues, and some special problems are all addressed in this book. If you are a preacher, you need this book. If you know someone who is seeking to serve as a minister, give them this book. It will encourage hard work, and thereby help a minister to be a productive and effective worker for the Lord. And to that end, Dr. Holland did a good job in accomplishing his goal.

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