What is preaching?

Preaching is a term that encompasses more than just delivering a speech or sermon in a church setting. It is a profound and sacred act that involves proclaiming the Word of God to a congregation or audience, with the intention of teaching, exhorting, and inspiring them to live according to the principles of the Christian faith. To understand preaching fully, we must delve into its biblical foundations, its purposes, and the qualities that make for effective preaching.

From a biblical standpoint, preaching is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. The Greek word for preaching, "kerygma," refers to the proclamation of the gospel. In the New Testament, we see numerous instances where Jesus and His apostles engaged in preaching. For instance, in Mark 1:14-15, it is recorded that Jesus began His ministry by preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, saying, "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" This sets the tone for what preaching is fundamentally about: announcing the good news of Jesus Christ and calling people to repentance and faith.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of preaching in 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, where he states, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Here, Paul underscores that the essence of preaching is not in human wisdom or eloquence but in the power of the gospel message itself.

Preaching serves several critical purposes within the Christian community. First and foremost, it is a means of communicating God's Word. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This verse highlights the multifaceted nature of preaching: it involves teaching, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging believers. Preaching is not merely about imparting knowledge but also about shaping the moral and spiritual lives of the listeners.

Another purpose of preaching is to build up the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul explains that Christ gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Preaching plays a vital role in this process of equipping and edifying the church, helping believers grow in their faith and maturity.

Moreover, preaching serves as a means of evangelism. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Preaching is a primary way through which the gospel is shared with those who have not yet come to faith in Christ. It is through the proclamation of the gospel that people hear the message of salvation and are given the opportunity to respond in faith.

Effective preaching, however, requires more than just a clear understanding of its purposes. It demands certain qualities and practices from the preacher. One of the most important qualities is a deep and personal relationship with God. A preacher must be someone who spends time in prayer and in the study of Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and illuminate their understanding. As 2 Timothy 2:15 advises, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." A preacher must handle the Word of God with care and accuracy, ensuring that their message is faithful to the Scriptures.

Another key quality is humility. Preaching is not about showcasing one's own knowledge or eloquence but about pointing people to Christ. John the Baptist exemplified this attitude when he said, "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30). A preacher must always keep in mind that the focus of their message should be on Jesus and not on themselves.

Additionally, effective preaching is characterized by clarity and relevance. The message must be communicated in a way that is understandable and applicable to the lives of the listeners. This involves knowing the audience and addressing their specific needs and concerns. Jesus often used parables and everyday examples to make His teachings relatable and impactful. Similarly, preachers today must strive to connect the timeless truths of Scripture to the contemporary context of their audience.

Passion and conviction are also essential in preaching. A preacher must believe wholeheartedly in the message they are delivering. This passion is often what moves and inspires the congregation. As Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher, once said, "A sermon without Christ as its beginning, middle, and end is a mistake in conception and a crime in execution." The preacher's enthusiasm for the gospel can ignite a similar fervor in the hearts of the listeners.

Moreover, preaching should be accompanied by a life that reflects the message being preached. The integrity of the preacher lends credibility to their message. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, reminded them of his conduct among them, saying, "You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed" (1 Thessalonians 2:10). A preacher's life should be a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.

In addition to these qualities, effective preaching also involves careful preparation. While the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering the preacher, this does not negate the need for diligent study and preparation. A preacher must invest time in understanding the biblical text, researching its historical and cultural background, and discerning its application for today. This preparation helps to ensure that the message is both theologically sound and practically relevant.

Preaching is also a communal activity. It is not just about the preacher delivering a message but about the congregation receiving and responding to it. The interaction between the preacher and the congregation is vital. This is why feedback and engagement from the congregation can be so valuable. It helps the preacher to understand how the message is being received and to adjust their approach if necessary.

In summary, preaching is a sacred and multifaceted task that involves proclaiming the Word of God with the aim of teaching, correcting, rebuking, encouraging, and evangelizing. It is rooted in the biblical mandate to share the gospel and build up the body of Christ. Effective preaching requires a deep relationship with God, humility, clarity, relevance, passion, integrity, careful preparation, and an understanding of the communal nature of the task. It is through preaching that the message of the gospel is communicated, lives are transformed, and the church is strengthened.