'Entrust the gospel to others,' says Stephens

LITTLE ROCK - Speaking from 2 Timothy 2, Jarrett Stephens encouraged pastors facing discouragement to invest in people, depend on the grace of God, preach the gospel of Christ and entrust it to others, endure hardship and keep focused on the task.

Stephens, who serves as teaching pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, preached during the morning session of the 2011 Arkansas Baptist State Convention Pastors’ Conference held at First Baptist Church, Little Rock.

In the passage, Stephens said Paul was able to encourage Timothy because he had built a relationship with him.

“This is a reminder to us as church leaders that we must have relationships with the people we lead,” said Stephens.

He said busyness cannot be an excuse for investing in others.

“Spending time with our people during the week is what validates the message we have to proclaim,” he said.

Stephens challenged pastors facing discouragement and difficulties to “look within and see Jesus Christ … and the grace that is in Christ.”

“Pastors, don’t ever stop preaching the gospel. Be ready in season and out of season,” he said. “If you don’t do anything else, make sure you take this gospel and entrust it to others. … Pass it on.”

Stephens said at the end of the day, church size, positions, titles and budgets will not matter.

“Will we take the gospel, embrace it and pass it on?” he asked.

Stephens warned pastors to avoid becoming isolated when facing difficulties.

“Endure hardship,” he said.

“While I don’t understand this, Scripture is clear. Somehow our suffering identifies us with Jesus,” he continued.

In closing, Stephens encouraged pastors to be aware of things that might keep them for remaining focused on God.

“We can’t give up,” he said in closing. “Your church needs you to finish well.”