The final question that we need to answer on the topic of preaching is the result of everything we have earlier discussed. What should preaching accomplish? Although what preaching accomplishes is the result of everything we have already discussed, understanding what it should accomplish will lead to a commitment to the preferred style of preaching…expository. There are several things that I think we need to acknowledge as not being goals of preaching.
- Preaching should not be done with the goal of getting people to walk the aisle during the invitation. This may end up taking place, but it is not the sole goal.
- Preaching should not be done with the goal of entertaining. There is nothing wrong with being entertained, but it should not take the place of preaching.
- The goal of preaching is not to stir the emotions. As I stated yesterday, emotion never initiates a lasting response. Emotion is the results of a knowledge-based response.
When these are the goals of what preaching is to accomplish the focus is taken away from the main thing…the Word of God. The goal of preaching is to clearly and accurately explain and apply the true meaning of Scripture. We have to ask ourselves; am I just being challenged or also taught? Changed lives comes through knowledge and applying that knowledge in our lives. Decisions that are made solely on the basis of emotion never last. It is the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word that brings about a changed life. If preaching is done in order to help people mature in Christ, then it must help people to know and understand the Bible. That is the goal of preaching, and if that is not taking place, then it is wrong.
The answer to this question is really rooted in the previous two posts. But to restate what I said on Monday, most of what people consider to be good preaching really isn’t good preaching at all. A preacher simply entertaining a congregation isn’t preaching. A speaker that is able to move an audience emotionally doesn’t mean that he is a good preacher.