John and Kathy Deisher

One Call, One Harvest, 50 Teams

The Sacred Trust of Preaching

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“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”

(2 Timothy 4:2 NLT)

College campuses are full of conversations — ideas traded like currency, philosophies debated in late-night lounges, and stories shaping identities. In a world where every voice has a platform, Paul’s charge to Timothy cuts through the noise: Preach the Word.

Not trends. Not opinions. Not what’s popular this semester. But the Word of God — the steady, living truth that endures when every other ideology fades.

Paul’s words remind us that good preaching isn’t just about being eloquent or relevant; it’s about being faithful. To “preach the Word” means we carry God’s story into the spaces where students are searching for meaning, belonging, and truth — even when it’s inconvenient, misunderstood, or resisted.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching…” (v. 3)

That time is now. Many students long for spirituality without accountability, inspiration without transformation. Yet our call isn’t to cater to itching ears but to cultivate listening hearts. Through patient teaching, honest correction, and deep encouragement, we help students see that God’s Word doesn’t just inform their minds — it forms their lives.

And so Paul’s reminder continues:

“Keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.” (v. 5)

In the university world, suffering might look like being dismissed, misunderstood, or simply ignored. But our faithfulness in those moments testifies louder than applause ever could. Keep your heart steady. Speak the truth in love. Carry out the ministry God has entrusted to you — fully.

Because one day, when Christ sets up His Kingdom, He won’t measure our ministry by popularity or attendance, but by our faithfulness to His Word.

Prayer

“Lord, make us faithful preachers of Your Word. Give us courage when it’s hard, patience when it’s slow, and clarity when the culture grows noisy. May our teaching lead students not to us, but to You — the living Word. Amen.”