Is the best preacher the loudest, the quickest wit, the smoothest talker? II Corinthians 11 Paul is being compared to other preachers... and coming up short. Apparently some are saying he isn't the speaker that other leaders are. Not as quick, not as astute! Likely every preacher has that experience.
What makes the best preaching? We know the answer, the best preaching is the Word of God. But style can affect the listener, too! What we have to guard against is style over substance. Is the Word of God being taught in a manner that brings wisdom, conviction, guidance, hope and help? We can trip over style, what appeals to us or what may not, but the real power is the Word being heard and obeyed.
So here's a question for you, what helps you to hear the Word? What teachings have been the best for you and why? Do you regularly experience the Word coming alive for you? What aids or detracts from that?
I've been in "Shouting Baptist" Churches, and I've been in "coffee house" churches. Stylistically, I find I like being engaged on a normal basis with an occasional "fire and brimstone" shout fest. Being engaged means I walk away going "he's a terrible preacher" I say that because rather than hear a sermon, I feel like I've been talking to my friend, who is one I'm more apt to listen to anyway (aren't we all?).
ReplyDeleteAs far as style... I'm engaged most when I hear sincerity from the heart, conviction and stories of a pastor's experience based on the scripture being taught. Of course, humor always helps me stay more engaged. What keeps me obedient is strong conviction and explanation of what God is saying. Too many people look to be entertained. For me, I need to understand what God wants me to do so I can live a life of significance. Knowing God's promises and seeing life from His perspective helps me to stay obedient and in His word. Grace River is a church that does just that. You cannot walk away Sunday and not ACT. God's word cuts like a knife. I always felt that scripture takes me and opens me up on a surgical table as God is looking inside saying..."What a mess, we've got a lot of work to do"....Then day by day, as long as I am in scripture and worshiping at church, he starts to remove all the junk and polish me off a bit. That's how I know God is present and alive! When I'm distracted by things of this world, and start looking to myself and forgetting God... then I'm in trouble. Thank goodness, I found a church and pastors that communicate in such a way that "I get it". They truly want all of us to experience what they experience. God doesn't just reveal himself to pastors and priests, he reveals himself to all of us when we CHOOSE to learn about Him. :)
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