The Ministry of the Watchman: Restoring a Vital Missing Link In the Ministry of the Church

In ancient and medieval times every walled city and castle, along with most towns and villages, posted a watchman around the clock. Although not exactly a high-status job, everyone recognized the importance of the watchman. He functioned as the guardian of the community, and the safety and security of all rested on him. We don't live in walled cities anymore. Nor do we station watchmen in guardhouses at the city limits. Nonetheless, we still face a host of threats which render the principle of the watchman as relevant today as in the past.
Every church, regardless of size, should have an organized committee whose designated ministry is to survey the surrounding cultural landscape and report regularly on matters of particular relevance to the congregation. Like the men of Issachar in I Chronicles 12:32 who "understood their times," this requires men and women who are attuned to the issues of the day, both nationally and locally, and who have the knowledge, the communication skills, and the organizational ability to serve as effective leaders in this crucial area of ministry.