While much of the preaching that takes place in these new congregations is solidly biblical, others have been accused of adopting a more “therapeutic” model of preaching which falls short of biblical truth.

O.S. Hawkins, who served as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas prior to assuming his denominational role with Southern Baptists, argues that, “The transition in preaching over the last two decades has brought with it both good news and potentially bad news.  On the positive side it is much more akin to connecting with its hearers and knowing its audience.  On the negative side, I sometimes fear it is losing its apostolic model and authority in some ways and some places.  Like many of the new ‘networks, it seems to be built around methodology instead of theology which issues from the Word of God.”

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Back to the Future

Where is preaching headed?

Bryan Chapell states, “I remain convinced that an expository approach is the most fruitful as the mainstay of a pulpit ministry, and I rejoice in the recent spate of books re-endorsing this biblically committed approach. But always we can learn from other communication fields how people hear and how better to minister God’s Word to them.” Others note the resurgence of the expository model. Ron Allen affirms, “I am convinced that expository preaching continues to be the most reliable way for sermons to accomplish their fundamental aim. However, I also know that doctrinal messages, topical sermons, and various modes of experimental homilies can accomplish the purpose of preaching.”

While there is not one “right” style of preaching — any more than there is only one translation of Scripture — the emphasis on Scriptural authority will remain high. 

James Earl Massey, Dean Emeritus of Anderson School of Theology, comments that, “in the next five years preaching must have a greater focus on the essentials of the Christian faith. At a time of pluralism in the United States where it is difficult to distinguish between the church and the world, the need for preaching will be to distinctively focus on the fundamentals of Christianity.” He continues, “The battle in the church, and in many respects in preaching, will be over sexual issues.”

The primacy of preaching must continue to be central in our churches and the purpose of preaching must remain biblical in the truest sense of the word, if it is to continue to make a difference in the world on this side of the apocalypse. The sermon must come from the heart of the preacher, delivered to the heart of hearer. Preaching is still a face-to-face and a heart-to-heart encounter. The preacher, therefore, must be committed to integrity, authenticity, and transparency. A preacher who stands on a foundation of biblical authority, speaking to people on real life issues from a broken and contrite heart, will never lack for an audience whether the date is 1985, 2005, or 2025.

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Rick Ezell is a pastor and author in Naperville, IL.