2024 Ministry Report

“You’re the busiest retired preacher I know,” quipped a friend of mine one day.

Of course, it depends how you define “retired.” When we left full time, local church work in May 2018, it was never our intention to fully retire from preaching, teaching, writing, and in whatever ways I could be used in ministry. This year has been no exception.

Our travels have taken us from preaching appointments in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to Huntington Beach, California. All together our 2024 travel and preaching schedule has included 18 congregations in 13 states and Canada. When at home in Beverly Hills, Florida, I have preached most Sundays at the West Citrus Church in Crystal River.

Once again we were blessed to spend about 6 weeks in Canada preaching and teaching a VBS class at the Wellandport Church in Wainfleet, Ontario. In addition to going to Kingston, we spoke at Jordan and Hamilton, Ontario, as well. It’s always a joy to be with the Canadian brethren. We’re making plans to return this summer, Lord willing.

ThePreachersWord continues to be an integral part of our ministry. We took a little more time off than in previous years, but still managed to publish over 290 posts, surpassing a total for the 12 years of 3800 posts. The posts are conveniently filed in categories which cover over 190 topics.

We’ve been read in over 200 countries, provinces, and territories. Following the United States in top number of hits for 2024 are the Philippines, Nigeria, Canada, India, United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, and rounding out the top 10 is Ghana, which is surprising to me. Not sure, I know anyone in Ghana.

According to feedback we receive from our readers, ThePreachersWord has been reprinted in bulletins. Published in newspaper articles. Posted on social media platforms. Printed and distributed to friends, relatives, and co-workers. Used as Wednesday evening invitations and Lord’s supper talks. Translated into other languages. Served as seed thoughts for sermons. Become a resource for sermon illustrations. Reblogged on other blog sites. Quoted by fellow bloggers. And used as Bible class material.

In addition to ThePreachersWord, we write a monthly column for Pressing On, the  e-magazine for growing Christians edited by Mark Roberts.  It’s a bargain at $10 per year filled with challenging articles by some excellent writers.

In three months I will turn 77. Yet, I still feel that I have some gas left in the tank. While our 2025 schedule is not finalized, we have some meetings scheduled for the year, as well as some preaching appointments. One of the blessings of my current arrangement is the ability to be away as much as I want. So, when opportunities to serve are extended, we are glad to minister when we are able.

Norma Jean and I are thankful for the Lord’s good providence and provisions that have blessed us. With an eye on 2025 and mindful of our own mortality we always offer the caveat, ”if the Lord wills.”

Thanks to all of you who are faithful readers of ThePreachersWord. For your encouragement. For your suggestions and questions. And for the various opportunities you provide for us to minister in the Word.

May God richly bless you during the holiday season.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman