Expository preaching is a label that comes with baggage. In many churches there is a negative vibe associated with the term. Yet we live in a day that needs true expository preaching as much as ever! Who will provide the positive PR for this vital aspect of church ministry? In part 2, we’ll consider how to strategically promote expository preaching in our churches. Today we’ll consider where the negative vibe comes from and what it is that we should be promoting.
Know Where the Vibe Comes From – Many who are resistant to the notion of expository preaching have never heard a really good example of it. It makes them think of irrelevant and tedious historical lectures that they’ve had to suffer through in the past. If that is what we’re talking about, I’m with them! Try to discern the reason for any negativity toward “expository preaching” in your context – is it a bad example from a preacher past or present, enforced pew pain in childhood, the perception of irrelevance, boredom with a standard “form,” a perceived restrictiveness?
Know What You’re Promoting – Expository preaching is not a certain form of preaching, it is a philosophy of preaching. It is not a form of preaching in contrast to topical, textual, narrative or whatever. It is not a form at all. It is not defined by length of passage, number of points, type of structure. Expository preaching is about a commitment to the effective communication of the true meaning and contemporary relevance of biblical text(s). If the label “expository preaching” carries too much baggage, then switch over to “biblical preaching” – I often do.
For a fuller explanation of philosophy rather than form, click on the tab “This Site” at the top of the page. For some thoughts on your strategic promotion plan, come back for part 2. As ever, we all benefit from your comments too!
Biblical Preaching 
Good Post,
I would say though…whether you call it Biblical, expository, or something else. The proof is in the pudding. A sermon of long tedious historical information presented in “lecture” style will be resisted by most of the people.
After having said that, I have heard some preachers integrate the historical and theological perspectives with the contemporary relevance in very effective ways.
I think the most effective way to save and promote “expository” preaching is to be a preacher that provides a good example of it week by week.
God Bless…
Thank you PM and SHCII,
I have developed a love and appreciation for good expository preaching. It is both science and art–kinda like jazz (good analogy).
I used to think if I only talked about the text alone, the Holy Spirit would allow the listeners to draw implications from God’s word as I speak. The idea sounds noble but the result is boredom and confusion. I now start with not only biblical principles but applications too. Like a flame needs wood, the text needs application. Truth and relevance make warm music together. Alone they are just either globs of holy info or spatterings of moral platitudes.
Bible+Relevance=Transformation.
Great blog.
chip.