Technology can be a wonderful tool and a dangerous master. Those who think that technology will somehow replace or revolutionize the preaching act are, I think, quite mistaken. The Internet is not going to replace the worship service, though it may offer a valuable supplement for some.

On the other hand, technology can provide the "research assistant" which previously was beyond the reach of most preachers. Just as electronic amplification was a new development which has been absorbed into the life of most churches, so computers are finding their place in the studies of more and more pastors.

What is yet to be determined is what the next technological innovation will be. After all, a decade ago most of us thought of spiders when the term "web" was used. The pace of change today is rapid, and it is impossible to know what new tools technology will provide to enhance our ability to communicate. As long as we keep the focus on our mission and purpose, the tools can only help.

3. Seminary education will focus more on practical ministry issues.

Most traditional seminaries do a good job of providing a classical theological education, including biblical studies, theology, philosophy, and church history. At the same time, training in practical theology, including homiletics, leaves much to be desired Time and again I visit with graduates of quality seminaries who readily acknowledge they were never taught how to construct a meaningful biblical sermon.

With the decline of denominational loyalty and support already underway, seminaries are going to find the need to be increasingly "market sensitive" over the coming years. And I believe that will require them to respond to the demand of the churches to train pastors "who can preach." Much as law schools and medical schools -- which provide special professional training -- are required to pay higher faculty salaries than the traditional arts and sciences disciplines, so seminaries may find it necessary to increase salaries in order to attract gifted communicators from the local church to the classroom. That may offend many scholars, but it will be a godsend to the churches they serve if it helps their graduates become more effective preachers.

Preaching in the coming century promises to be exciting, fulfilling, challenging, frustrating, and worth all that it takes -- much as it has for the twenty centuries past. If God has called you to preach, then you have a strategic role to play in the life of the church as we enter a new century together.

At the start of a new year, it seems an appropriate time to look back with appreciation for those who have helped make Preaching magazine possible during the previous year.

Since our move to Jackson, TN, in June 1996, Dr. Mark Johnson served as managing editor of the magazine and has played the primary, day-to-day role in producing the magazine and working with our contributors. This summer, Mark returned to the pastorate (and to his home area) with a call to become pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church in Greenbelt, MD, just outside Washington. His writing has continued to appear in the magazine (though in a more limited way) in the months since, but we will surely miss his daily efforts on behalf of our readers.