True expository preacher is not just about convictions regarding the Bible. It also involves convictions in relation to the congregation, the listeners. As a preacher you are committed to bringing God’s message from God’s Word to the people God has prepared and brought together for a particular service. Giving attention to both sides of the bridge, to use the metaphor Stott popularized, means awareness of the listeners as well as the text.

Typically a good awareness of the listeners will help you to preach relevantly. But beware of one type of listener – those you perceive to be “high-calibre.” I don’t like that term and only use it in the absence of a better alternative. What I mean is anyone whose presence tempts you to either feel intimidated or to show-off. Perhaps a well-known guest, or a seminary professor, or a published theologian. There are others too that could be listed. One of the blessings of studying preaching at Gordon-Conwell is to have to preach with Haddon Robinson in the room . . . and you’d better believe that feels intimidating at first!

In these situations everything in our flesh may cry out to try to impress them. Perhaps more erudite language, or complex thought patterns, or the old favorite – name dropping. Don’t. Intimidation or temptation to show-off is distraction from the purpose of preaching. Attempts to impress will usually fail. These kinds of people actually want real ministry, not posing. More than that, these kinds of people need real ministry. It doesn’t matter whether someone has a PhD in theology or flunked out of school early. What matters is that you are preaching before the God of the universe, and before people who need Him. Be aware of the listeners, but beware of any listeners who might tempt you to lose sight of your Audience of One, and the fact that everyone there needs to hear from Him.