Brother Ronald Delk read the report as follows:

The subject that is before us is how young ministers prepare themselves.

We feel that it is very important for a young man to properly prepare himself for the ministry, especially in the world in which we live. False doctrines abound in the world today and the only way we can stand against this is to know what the Word of God has to say. Paul states in Philippians 1:17, “Knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel,” so we must be set today as he was. Knowledge of the Word of God comes through much prayer and study of the Word. It is not as some would suppose, given to us without effort on our part. When you see or listen to someone preach who has much knowledge of the Word, understand it is because he has devoted a great deal of time to his study. James 1:5, “ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” The Bible is spiritually written and must be spiritually discerned. As we begin to study the Word of the Lord, we need to pray and ask for His help. Also, there are Bible studies that the older brethren teach which are very helpful and should be taken advantage of.

When God calls us with a holy calling, we should immediately begin to prepare ourselves to preach the Word, not what we think or what we have heard, but what we have searched out and learned ourselves. Paul instructs the young man in 2 Timothy 2:15-18, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

We can see from the preceding verses that false doctrines will increase and lead to more ungodliness if we do not stand against it and it will not always come from the outside. Acts 20:28-31, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Again if we are to feed someone the Word and stand for the truth against those from without and within, then we must know the Word.

Brethren, you can see that as a young minister there is a great work set before you. It will take a lot of faith and courage to face these things. Seek wise council from the older ministers and avail yourselves to every opportunity to learn. Spend much time in prayer and meditation, rightly divide the Word, and preach the things which become sound doctrine. Read and study the qualifications for a bishop in 1 Timothy 3 and apply them to your life. The mantle will be passed down to you younger brethren much quicker than you think. You will need to be prepared. In closing, let us leave you with these scriptures. Ephesians 6:10-19, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Brethren, we are all in this together. Let us love and pray for each other. Let all the older preachers do all we can to teach and help the younger preachers so our churches may continue and our great and loving God may be glorified.

Respectfully submitted,
Elder Ronald Delk
Elder Jimmy Claiborne
Elder Taylor Gregory

Motion and second to adopt report. Those speaking on the subject were Brother Ronald Delk, Brother Jimmy Claiborne, Brother Taylor Gregory, Brother Billy Moran, Brother Stephen Skinner, Brother Ron Spurgeon, Brother Jason Hollis, and Brother Matt Hovekamp. Question and second called to end subject. Approved.