Religion

The study of expository preaching can be a lifelong journey. For many of us it should be a lifelong journey. And the complexity of this ministry allows for a lifetime of learning. Consider the complexities of biblical interpretation and the diversity of biblical genre and form. Think about the continual changes in society, not to mention the ever developing experiences and needs of each individual listener. Ponder the numerous variables in effective oral communication, seemingly increasing all the time as advances are made in the fields of communication, rhetoric, education and homiletics. It is clear that there is plenty for us to keep studying and stretching ourselves as preachers: from applied linguistics in discourse analysis to the epistemological paradigms of postmodernity. From family systems dynamics to unintentional perlocutions in the preaching event. There’s plenty to learn for all of us.

But let’s not get caught in a fog of confusion here. The core issues are still the core issues. Preaching must always be concerned with the specific meaning of the biblical author and with the relevant and effective communication of that meaning to contemporary listeners. Preaching remains a spiritual endeavor very much concerned with the work of the Trinitarian God in you and through you. Excellence in Bible study, effectiveness in communication, relevance in presentation, and all of the above in a close reliance on the Spirit of God through prayer. Boil expository preaching down to its elements, and it is not much more than this: God, you, them & Bible study, communication and relevance.

Take stock of the basic elements – where should your learning and passion for growth be focused at this point in the process?

This site is dedicated to stimulating biblical preaching. The main hat the preacher wears is that of the biblical and relevant communicator. There are lots of angles on that main role, and they are explored post by post on this site and others. But I would like to mention some smaller hats worn in the pulpit. These are typically not your main role in preaching (although in a particular sermon they may be), but these are roles to be aware of. Areas of strategic influence for the preacher:

Materialism Underminer – Throughout the week the people in our congregation are bombarded by messages of materialism. It’s everywhere they look – billboards, TV, radio commercials, shop windows, magazine racks, etc. A constant stream of a very powerful big idea. When we preach, whatever the text and message might be, we break into that stream of information and give a few moments of spiritual reality again. Perhaps in passing comments or illustrations we even undermine the message of materialism too! (The same could be said of society and media obsessions with independence, evolution, humanism, etc.)

Family Support Officer – Many people come from, live in or have come out of broken homes. The enemy is attacking the family unit at every level. Yet for those minutes on a Sunday morning, people are allowed to look through the windows into your life. I’m not saying you should air your private laundry, or show-off your family or children (be sensitive to those who don’t have what you have). However, glimpses into a healthy home can be powerful antidotes to the stream of failure society parades before us. I still remember the illustrations given from the home life of one of my profs at seminary. Bruce Fong is now president at Michigan, but in his Multnomah days the Fong family functioned as an inspiration to single me and others.

Missions Mobilizer – We’re living in a world of desperate needs, yet none as desperate as the 9 people dying every 5 seconds, most of whom step into a lost eternity. The greatest need in world missions today is still people, followed by finance and other resources. The only source of people who could go and make a difference is the local church. That puts us as preachers in a key role. Let’s be aware of the opportunity and inspire our people to be genuine global Christians!

That’s three more hats to ponder. Any others that come to mind?