Saturday 16 April 2011

Preaching that is Contemporary!

Within evangelical and reformed circles there appears to be the usage of the word 'contemporary', as a broad umbrella term, to express the desire for the evangelical and reformed church to move forward, advance, and to see real growth. These may be noble aims, provided that they remain anchored in sound theology. We must not become contemporary at the expense of Scriptural commands. In this discussion I think that 2 Corinthians 4:5 can help us all. What does it say?

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.

Firstly, Paul says that we 'proclaim', that is 'we preach'. Preaching is propositional, it is declaratory, it is not intended to simply stimulate discussion. Now let us think for a moment. Postmodern man does not like preaching, in fact, sinful man hates preaching because it is God's method and it confronts sinful man with God's claims to repent and believe in the gospel. Sadly, I see moves toward downplaying the necessity of preaching in the advance of the church. The word preaching is often replaced with 'speaking', 'giving a talk' or even 'sharing'. This attitude belies a theological downgrade. The apostles Paul and Peter, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Wesley and Whitefield were all preachers: and so must we be, that is those who are called to this office.

Secondly, I hear in some men's preaching, a desire to be contemporary communicators and the way they set out to achieve this is by using a particular style to keep the congregations attention. They read a passage, then they give a bite-sized 'gospel explanation' followed by a story, often about themselves, then a bit more Bible explanation, followed by another relevant story about themselves. What is the problem? Paul states firmly: For what we proclaim is not ourselves!

This trendy method is seriously flawed because in an attempt to be a good communicator, it has ended up exalting the preacher with the many illustrations of himself. For those who would like to read further on this matter: Martin Lloyd-Jones, Sermon on Romans 1:9, For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son.

Thirdly, our message should be filled with truth concerning Jesus Christ our Lord: He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. The Lord Jesus Christ should be the beginning, end and the thread throughout our sermons. If we want illustrations, then why not search the Scriptures for illustration material, but avoid mentioning yourself often, in the sermon. We dare not draw the minds and hearts of worshippers away from Christ to ourselves! Let all those of us who are preachers, examine ourselves and consider 2 Cor. 4:5, in order to reform our preaching according to the pattern of Scripture.

6 comments:

Bill Schweitzer said...

Excellent post, Kevin. Surely everyone is trying to do the right thing for the gospel, but some do not realise what it is they are doing when they do as you describe. May there be a recovery of the unashamed preaching of Christ for his glory.
Bill

Jonathan Hunt said...

Indeed, an excellent post, and encouraging to read before preaching tomorrow. I didn't say 'hi' at the Banner but I was sat in the row behind yourself and Bill most of the time!

Kevin Bidwell said...

Bill,

Many thanks. Often I feel like a 'dinosaur' when I raise these matters but I think that there is a real danger that through many contemporary methods for preaching and worship that there has arisen 'arminianism in reformed clothes'.

Surely, a reformed view holds tightly to a regulative principle because we believe in the sovereignty of God. Trying novel things in preaching and worship does not solve the spiritual problem of our nation.

However, I know that you are right with me on these matters and thanks for your comment.

Kevin

Kevin Bidwell said...

Jonathan,

Thanks for your comment and I wish that you had tapped us on the shoulder at the Banner conference and said "hi".

How did the preaching go last week? Did you adjust your style?

Kevin

proskairon said...

Thanks Kevin. We have suffered much at the hands of 'contextualizers'. Just one thought about 'Preaching is propositional, it is declaratory, it is not intended to simply stimulate discussion.' It certainly is propositional and declaratory but not exclusively indicative. The (sacred) rhetoric of preaching has fallen by the wayside but we should at least attempt to recover its grammar and bring back the imperative and maybe the interrogative and exclamatory too. Carrick's little book The Imperative of Preaching (Banner) is a step in the right direction, though he tends to caricature (no pun!) redemptive historical approach.

Kevin Bidwell said...

Richard,

Many thanks for your insightful comments on preaching. I have just begun to read Carrick's book on 'The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards' which is stimulating.

What I find is that bite-sized blog articles are read so I have to keep the content to the main things, and certainly there is much more to be said on preaching than my little blog comment. However, there are disturbing trends, ones that make preaching a form of a 'talk' or 'sermonette', and I have even heard of some places that now have coffee breaks in the middle, if you can believe it! Let us pray together for a recovery of true preaching.
Warmly,

Kevin