Career Exploration

Preaching
Allison Fry

Area of Communication
Public Communication
Preaching falls under public communication because the preacher has to get up in front of the congregation to speak. It would also be considered part of the argumentation sub-area because the preacher is using reasoning and evidence from the Bible to prove that it is the truth.

Primary Responsibilities
Evangelism Visitation Teaching Preaching Counseling

Education and Skills/Strengths

No formal education required in some churches Equivalent skills and life experiences Knowledge of the Bible Communication One-on-One Group Public Speaking Listening Writing Ability to Teach Counseling Being a People Person Work Closely with the Elders

Interview Subject and Credentials

Interviewed Doug Hamilton on October 17, 2013 through email. Was Sales Director and Trainer for 2nd largest cemetery and funeral home company in the world Taught and Preached in a congregation in Iowa City, IA Has a BS in Ministry from Southern Christian University Received a degree in the Bible from theology school at Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX Full-time preacher since 1999 with the last 12 years at current congregation at Camp Hill Church of Christ Preached and taught in 25 states and 6 countries at over 200 congregations and colleges Has taught over 5,000 small group classes

Interview
What is your favorite thing about a career in preaching? I love sharing a message that allows a person to make it through a difficult time. Life can be discouraging at times and to be in a position to encourage them to love Jesus and their fellow man even more is very rewarding. What is the biggest challenge of a career in preaching? Preaching the funeral of a child of a member of the congregation. It is a delicate balancing act between teaching the compassion of God and explaining the nature of the circumstances going against the natural pattern of life. What is the most satisfying thing about your job? When I witness a person go from a troubled life to conversion and onto a faithful, fruitful and productive life for the Lord. It is almost as great as witnessing the birth of one of your own children. What sacrifices have you and your family made with your career choice?
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. For every one hour of public speaking there is about five to ten hours of visitation to nursing homes, hospitals, small group studies, benevolence, personal Bible study and crisis management for others. This is quite taxing at times and will likely lead to my early death from lack of sleep.

Interview Continued
As a professional communicator, is it ever a challenge to get your message across? Sometimes when I must preach a funeral of someone close to me, it might take two or three days to gather composure. I will think about that person for nearly two days, outlining their life and working out most of the tears in advance so as not to breakdown during the service. It always comes together, but is a challenging task. After years of preaching, is it ever difficult for you to get up in front of a crowd? No, for that is the easiest part of my job, not because it is easy, but because I put the preparation in and believe in the product (Christ). After years of preaching, do you feel your ability to communicate has plateaued or grown? It has definitely grown. I learn something new every week that helps me grow in Christ and simply share it with the congregation.

Summary/Conclusion
Preaching is a very challenging yet rewarding career. It takes a lot of effort to be a preacher because of difficult times in their own life and helping those who are going through difficult times, but it is worth it in the end.

References
Collett, Jason. Personal interview. 15 Oct. 2013.
Preacher and Evangelist

Hamilton, Doug. E-mail interview. 17 Oct. 2013.

Interview subject

Williams, Tim. Personal interview. 16 Oct. 2013.

Elder of the church