Extraordinary: exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy or remarkable (Dictionary.com)
What makes preachers extraordinary people? The answer lies with two common men who achieved three realistic goals, resulting in extraordinary lives for Christ:
Their audience
Peter and John were ordinary men who became extraordinary preachers only after three years of attending the “University of Jesus Christ.” They “had been with Jesus,” although they were perceived to be unlearned and unskilled (Acts 4:13). Extraordinary preachers spend much time with an audience of one: Jesus.
Their aim
Pleasing government or religious establishments was unconscionable. When challenged to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, “Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard’ ” (Acts 4:19-21). These extraordinary preachers aimed for God’s approval in their life, church and ministry.
Their attitude
Humbly and wisely they sought support (Acts 4:23-31). The late Alex Haley had that unique picture of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post. Whenever someone asked about it, Haley would respond, “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know that he had some help. Any time I start thinking, ‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done?’ I look at that picture and remember how this turtle — me — got up on that post.” Wise preachers understand the need for their “own companions” in the faith (Acts 4:23). Elisha had Elijah, Paul had Barnabas, and Timothy had Paul. You see, none of us can be all we should be without the rest of us. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
Our audience must be Jesus, our aim must be to please Him, and our attitude must be to humbly and wisely seek the support of others.
Be extraordinary! Make your plans now to attend the South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference this November in Spartanburg.
— Mike Runion is pastor of City View First Baptist Church in Greenville and vice president of the 2015 South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference.