By Robert C. Pitman
Eisegesis makes it impossible for the preacher to focus on the content of the text. He focuses, rather, on what he thinks that the text should say. This practice of theological dishonesty prohibits mental preparation. It may not be possible to eliminate every trace of bias, but the preacher of integrity attempts to do so:
The goal in determining how to approach the process of interpretation must be to minimize subjectivity as much as possible. To be sure, as long as God chooses to use human instruments in the preaching event, some element of subjectivity always will be present. Because we are imperfect beings, we forever will bring to the biblical text certain biases, preconceived ideas, cultural influences, limited world views, and other factors that shape our hermeneutical paradigms.8
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The man of God must remember that his responsibility is to interpret Scripture, not to pervert Scripture.
A mentally prepared preacher has unleashed his imagination. Understanding and applying biblical passages involves creativity as Warren Wiersbe noted: "Imagination is the image-making faculty in your mind, the picture gallery in which you are constantly painting, sculpting, designing, and sometimes erasing."9
The disciplines essential in spiritual preparation manifest themselves in the mental preparation of the man. Prayer enables the man of God to become focused on the task at hand. Without the ability to focus, the preacher cannot apply true hermeneutical principles.
The location of the preacher's study facilitates his personal preparation. Two suggested locations are the home and the church. Definite advantages and disadvantages exist for both designated areas. Vines advocated a secluded room in the church as the best study area. He noted that a study at the church that doubles as the pastor's office "can be used if no other place is available, but you will find study extremely difficult when much activity is going on. Well-meaning members of the congregation inevitably will come by to visit for a few moments, which often stretch into an hour or more. A better situation is to have your study in a secluded place, away from the traffic flow."10
Certain prerequisites must be met, however, for the church-study situation to be adequate. First, the pastor must separate his study area from his office. Second, he must have a strong, disciplined secretary who can protect him during his designated study hours. Third, the entire staff must recognize the sanctity of the pastor's study time and do everything possible to eliminate interruptions.
Many preachers prefer the home as their study area. The disadvantages to this location are family-related. Small children may not understand why they are deprived of your attention father when you are at home., and your spouse may not divert intruders as would a strong-willed secretary.