So, three more issues that are non-essential in defining expository preaching. Let’s not allow our passion for preaching become a passion to prove our preferences are the only legitimate approach to expository preaching!

Preaching Attire – Some people make a big issue out of ties and jackets (“we are dressing for an appointment at the palace” kind of arguments).  Others are passionate the opposite way (“we are dressing to connect with the culture” kind of arguments).  It’s not an issue worth dying for, so I try to dress according to expectations in the church.  As someone who preaches in many places, I recognize that for most people, their own church is the only place they tend to go and so it is natural that their view of such issues is generally narrower.

Preaching Props – If you look around this site you will see that I am a fan of no-notes well-prepared preaching.  Others advocate for notes, brief or full.  Others are in support of manuscripts.  I have moved from notes to no-notes, but it is not a central issue.  Can a preacher be expository with a manuscript, or with notes, of course!  Which is most effective?  That’s a good question to think through carefully (rather than defaulting to what is comfortable).  But “effective” is not the same as “core issue!”

Visual Aids – Some people have passionately tried to convince me that we should all use powerpoint in our preaching.  I see as many problems as benefits with powerpoint preaching, but this is not a core issue.  Can a preacher be expository using powerpoint, or giving notes to the congregation, or using video clips during the sermon, or holding a shepherd’s crook?  Of course, but none are required.

What other issues do some become so passionate about that they become “core issues” when really they are not?