Unraveling the Reason Behind: Why?
Published in Evangelical Focus
Effective expository preaching, as outlined by mentor and author Peter Mead, is a transformative art that bridges the gap between the Scriptures and the hearts of listeners. The core requirements for this approach to preaching are faithfulness to the biblical text, effective communication with relevance, knowing the listeners, dependence on God’s work, and preaching the text, not just about it.
First and foremost, preaching should accurately and thoroughly communicate the meaning of the Scripture passage itself. This means helping listeners see, understand, and feel the text’s message as it truly is. The preacher must translate biblical truth into relevant applications tailored specifically to the listeners’ contexts, rather than relying on vague generalities.
Understanding the cultural context, the congregation’s demographic and pastoral characteristics, and individual life situations is crucial in making the message personally meaningful. This knowledge allows the preacher to connect with the listeners on a deeper level, making the Word of God more accessible and impactful.
Effective expository preaching also relies on prayer and trusting God to work personally and powerfully through the preached word. The preacher should pursue His heart while studying His Word, and prayer should be a critical thread throughout the entire preparation process.
The sermon should engage the passage itself directly, inviting listeners into a transformative encounter with God revealed in the text. The text is not a data source for anecdotes, launch pads, or proof texting, but the inspired Word of God to be offered to others. The way words are chosen, spoken, and body language used in preaching can reinforce or undermine the message.
Preaching is not about showcasing one’s own knowledge or simply declaring God’s truth, but about communicating to people. The preacher should not make the Bible relevant, but show how it is relevant. The more effectively the Word is communicated, the clearer the path for listeners to be transformed.
Peter Mead, a mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books, emphasises that authentic expository preaching is both text-driven and listener-focused, blending biblical fidelity with pastoral insight and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He blogs at Biblical Preaching.
God places a high value on communication in preaching. The Bible serves to change the preacher and is consequently served to others. Communication in preaching is concerned with the mood of the text, the audience, and the situation. Preachers should care and prepare to communicate effectively, taking the form, meaning, and relevance of the Bible seriously.
In the pursuit of authentic expository preaching, it is essential to consider the lifestyle and relationships of the congregation, especially the family dynamics, as this knowledge will help make the message more relatable and impactful. Additionally, the preacher should be attentive to the home and garden of the listeners' lives, realizing that the congregation includes individuals who are navigating diverse life situations that need the transformative power of God's Word.
