Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.”

Although these words are frequently attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, there is no historical evidence he said them. Francis clearly believed one’s life gives credible witness to one’s words, but he also knew it cannot replace them.

Sadly, some have taken this inaccurate, oft-quoted sentiment and used it to condemn the practice of preaching altogether.

But that is nothing compared to those today who suggest preaching undergo a complete makeover in the post-pandemic world. COVID-19 forced the church online in ways many of us were not ready for.

Now we are constantly told the world is never going to be the same, people may never return to church, and we must stream online content that can compete with YouTube, Netflix, and most of Hollywood.

Shorten your message! Do more interviews! Think talk-show format! Craft small-group experiences! Hold another Zoom meeting!

I understand all that. I believe in small groups. I appreciate the power of online connection. But Scripture tells us faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:14,17). Preaching not only remains a valid part of contemporary ministry, it is — in the parlance of the pandemic — essential.

Why It Matters

My favorite definition of preaching comes from an old textbook: “the living word touching the living situation.” I define preaching as one speaker — a preacher — presenting the Word of God to an audience of listeners, to evangelize, disciple and edify.

Why should we do that? There are three important arguments:

First is the historical argument. Preaching is the biblical example of proclaiming God’s Word throughout both Testaments and into the Church Age. Consider Joshua challenging the Israelites to follow the Lord (Joshua 24); God’s people standing for hours to hear the reading of the Book of the Law (Nehemiah 8); Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7); and Paul preaching through the night (Acts 20).

The length of the message may vary, but Christian churches still use the sermon as the predominant means of teaching biblical content. Even if we choose to supplement it in different ways, the core structure of preaching occupies the centerpiece of worship gatherings.

Second is the practical argument. Simply put, it works! Preaching cannot guarantee we all hear the same thing, but it remains one of the clearest ways to communicate the life-changing truths of Scripture.

People receive instruction, inspiration, edification, conviction, and revelation through sermons. Preaching challenges the status quo by calling for transformation in and through us.

Third is the Pentecostal argument. Essentially, the Spirit works through preaching.

Effective preaching requires a partnership between the speaker and the Holy Spirit. No doubt, some preach apart from the Holy Spirit, but this is not biblical. From the first moments of inspiration, through the hours of study and prayer, to the delivery of the message, the Holy Spirit leads the minister through revelation.

Even during the act of preaching, the Spirt may inspire a thought, phrase, or emphasis in the pulpit the minister had not planned during preparation. The Spirit speaks through us, and simultaneously works in the congregation, to bring understanding and conviction.

Preaching often has
a bad reputation for
two reasons: bad
content and bad
delivery.

Where It Can Go Wrong

For some people, the term “preaching” has a negative connotation. Depending on their church background, they may imagine a loud, abusive diatribe or a long, boring lecture.

Preaching often has a bad reputation for two reasons: bad content and bad delivery.

There are a number of reasons why the content may be lacking. Failure to prioritize sermon preparation and set aside sufficient study time is a common one.

More problematic is unbiblical content. For example, some messages tragically leave out or obscure the reality of Christ and the Cross. Others promote a social gospel that focuses on the here-and-now while glossing over eternal matters. Still others turn God’s commands into mere suggestions subject to personal judgment.

Bad delivery can include unthinking repetition, insider language, overdone mannerisms, and strange vocal inflections.

Today’s celebrity culture is another serious threat to a pastor’s connection with people. This isn’t about ridiculous wardrobe choices (though I can’t resist making a plea for grown men to stop wearing torn skinny jeans and leggings). Nor is it about hanging out with actual celebrities (something most of us don’t have an opportunity to do anyway).

Celebrity culture makes human beings the focus, rather than Jesus. It sends a message that living for Christ is something only a few people — namely, those in the spotlight — can attain.

In Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer pleaded with believers to remember we are all sinners in need of a Savior:

If my sinfulness appears to me to be in any way smaller or less detestable in comparison with the sins of others, I am still not recognizing my sinfulness at all. ... How can I possibly serve another person in unfeigned humility if I seriously regard his sinfulness as worse than my own?

Pride stinks up both content and delivery, and gets in the way of the gospel.

How to Improve It

To hone our skills, we obviously need to practice preaching. But we also need to listen.

Listen to other preachers. Our world can quickly become small. Preaching once or twice a week — sometimes more — requires a tremendous amount of work. Making time to listen to other preachers may seem impossible, but the rewards are immediate.

Don’t just listen to sermons. Listen to the teaching or podcast interviews of other ministers as well. “Listen” through the pages of their books. Hear the voices of people who do what we do — who value the same things we value and can help us find new ways of expressing timeless truths.

Listen to learn, not to imitate. To imitate another person’s preaching style is to miss out on the uniqueness of you, your calling, and your people.

Also, listen to grow, not just to compare. Judging your preaching against that of another minister can lead to unhealthy feelings of jealousy, resentment, discouragement or pride.

Listen to yourself. If you took a college preaching class, it will probably be just as painful to watch your messages now as it was then. But it’s still worth doing.

You are the only one who will hear and see particular things. It’s nice to hear someone say, “Good message, pastor.” However, you won’t learn much from that kind of feedback. Do the work yourself of discovering what went well and what you could do better.

Listen to your congregation. Again, this has to be more than a few words of affirmation at the door of the sanctuary. Be intentional. Ask trustworthy truth tellers for their responses.

Occasionally ask someone who is not a member of your staff. Seek the perspectives of a diverse cross-section of congregants. Getting quality feedback takes effort.

Listen to the Lord. Before, during and after, let God lead in the study, preparation and delivery of the message. Ask Him to speak through you. Seek His guidance above all else.

Trust God after the sermon to bear fruit in people’s lives — even when things don’t go as well as you had hoped — and to give you peace and joy through all of the ups and downs.

This article appears in the April–June 2021 edition of Influence magazine.