While the general term minister is often used to refer to this work, the terms preacher and evangelist clearly indicate the nature of this position in the Lord’s service. Preacher translates the ancient word herald, in reference to one who carries an important message (1 Tim. 1:11; Rom. 10:14-15). An evangelist is a proclaimer of “good news,” the gospel (Eph. 4:11).

The letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus describe in detail the nature of a preacher’s work. 1 Tim. 4:13 and 2 Tim. 4:1-5 sum up the work of preaching. It is the duty of a preacher to know and proclaim the word of God to as many as possible. This includes teaching and converting the lost (Mk. 16:15-16), edifying the saved (Rom. 1:11-12), and training others to preach (2 Tim. 2:2).

Preachers may be involved at times in almost every aspect of the local work, but they must constantly heed the charge to “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Our congregation has both an English language preacher and a preacher to those who speak Spanish.