The call to preach.
I’ll never forget Warren Wiersbe’s intensity as he gripped my hand, stared at me through large horn-rimmed glasses, and said, “Lawson, preach the Word!” When a veteran pastor, teacher, writer, and theologian clearly and compellingly counsels a course of action, one does what one’s told to do! Even more so when one knows the directive is the same charge Paul solemnly gave to Timothy (cf. 2 Timothy 4:1-5).
The role of preaching in Bible engagement.
Preaching is a vital cog in the wheel of Bible engagement. To know the Word, people have to hear the Word. To hear the Word, someone has to proclaim the Word. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14 (NIV).
North America has about 700,000 vocational pastors, chaplains, preachers, teachers, ministers and evangelists who kerrusso (Greek meaning to herald and proclaim divine truth) the Word. Through times of convenience and inconvenience, regardless of cost or response, God commissioned men and women with a sacred trust: to give their all to declare the message of the King!
Preaching is unique. It’s not a talk about spiritual matters. It’s taking a stand with God’s Word. It’s allowing God, by the Holy Spirit, to speak the Word through you. It requires conviction, love, patience and endurance. And it requires a kingdom perspective – preachers must never lose sight of the fact that it’s not our words, but His Word we proclaim.
Key characteristics of effective preaching.
When the divine agent works through the human conduit, variety and creativity abound. Even though different preachers deliver the Word differently, everyone should aim to preach the Word so that it:
- is Christ-centered
- proclaims the Gospel
- profiles the Trinity
- exudes grace
- demonstrates the Spirit’s power
- connects with the big Story
- exegetes the text
- explains and interprets culture
- contains sound doctrine
- hooks in with the audience
- highlights truth
- honours the biblical context
- challenges, warns and urges
- is organized, clear and focused
- is authentic, relevant and authoritative
- encourages questions
- engages imagination
- helps listeners hear from God
- trains in righteousness
- equips for good works
- declares the counsel of God
- emphasizes faith and obedience
- invites repentance
- moves hearers to action
- informs the mind, inclines the heart, guides the will
- prompts discussion and application
- forms and transforms people in Christ
- sends people back to the Word
The transformative power of preaching the Word.
Pastors, preach the Word! Every time you step into the pulpit, make the Word the main point, not the footnote, of your sermon. Your preaching methodology, delivery style and even your sense of humour must serve one end to explain and proclaim God’s Word. Why? Because when the Bible speaks, God speaks!
Much more could be said. What would you add or subtract from preaching the Word?
Thank your pastor for preaching the Word. 1 Timothy 5:17
Related Articles
Create a Banquet: Preaching the Word for Spiritual Nourishment
Preach the Word: The Need for Bold, Convicting Preaching
Summary
Preaching the Word: The passionate command to “preach the Word” highlights the critical role preaching plays in Bible engagement. Preaching allows people to hear God’s message, which is essential for spiritual growth and understanding. Effective preaching should be Christ-centered, rooted in sound doctrine, and capable of connecting with the audience while honouring the biblical context. Pastors are called to proclaim the Word with conviction, creativity, and a kingdom perspective, ensuring the message leads to transformation and action in listeners’ lives.
© Scripture Union Canada
