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Is Bible Preaching Outdated? |
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Many tell us that preaching is obsolete. We are told that more up-to-date methods are necessary today or people will not listen. Average people are not able to listen for an extended period without their minds wandering off, they say. Therefore, even some well-meaning people are saying, that while we must never change our message, we must change the method of communicating the message. In the place of preaching, they suggest that the church must employ entertainers, drama, bands, dance, video and Power Point. The consensus is that we must communicate in short sound bites and thirty-second visuals.
The strongest forms of American Christianity have been built and dominated by preaching. Paul reminded Timothy of the power of the pulpit in exhorting, 'Preach the Word.' Again, he said that God has chosen the 'foolishness of preaching' to save the ones who believe. Not only does this refer to the content of the message but also it most certainly emphasizes the method of communication. God has chosen the public proclamation of the Word of God as the method to be utilized.
When we alter our method of communicating Christ, we are in danger of altering the message itself. Students of the media have long recognized that the form is inseparable from meaning. The medium that we employ will determine what we communicate.
Preaching may appear to be out of vogue, but preachers are to be 'instant in season and out of season.' God intends the Gospel to be preached, explaining its meaning, pressing its commands, and applying its principles to both sinners and saints with God's authority and power.
When the early Apostles preached the Word, they appealed to their listeners to make a decision or to act upon the truth of what they had heard. Though the 'invitation' or 'altar call' is not specifically found in Scripture, it is consistent with the appeal for decision. In addition, it is an opportunity to seek further counsel and becomes an encouraging testimony to the church that the Lord is working among us. At Faith Baptist Church we strive to announce God's message using the method that God has commanded and we rejoice when men and women respond publicly to the working of the Lord in their lives.
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Is Bible Preaching Outdated?