Video teaching is great but…
For some time now, LifeChurch.tv has been giving away resources for other churches from their website. Now they have recruited a large group of gifted speakers to contribute (and continue contributing) sermon videos available for free download in multiple formats from VideoTeaching.com. I can’t speak highly enough of those who are willing to share what they have created freely with others. There are certainly a number of churches struggling financially that can use the help.
I am concerned, though, that there might be a down side. While I was attending Bethel Seminary, I took advantage of dozens of opportunities to preach as “pulpit supply” while regular pastors needed a break or during transitions between leaders. That opportunity allowed the churches to get live teaching from serious preachers in training at a low price. (Actually a very low price, but to a struggling seminary student every dollar helps.) But it also gave upcoming preachers like me the opportunity to refine our delivery and become much better speakers. There may now be significantly fewer opportunities for budding preachers to get the practice they need.
One leader of a church with multiple video venues that I interviewed said he did so because there weren’t that many truly accomplished communicators in the world and he was helping all churches get a high level of speaker. I’m afraid this might be a self-fulfilling statement. If we don’t provide opportunities for the thousands of people studying for ministry right now to hone their craft, they might not ever be able to achieve the level of ability they could have.
I don’t intend my words to be a criticism of VideoTeaching. Again, I am genuinely thrilled so many great speakers are freely offering their messages to others. But I hope that doesn’t mean that associate pastors no longer get pulpit opportunities. I hope that doesn’t mean that seminary students no longer get the experience they need. And I hope that doesn’t mean that a handful of great speakers become the voices for all of English-speaking Christianity.
Oh by the way, I still enjoy preaching if you need someone for pulpit supply… 
