“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2).
There is a preaching-identity crisis of colossal proportions in the evangelical world among younger pastors. Unmistakably, this confusion is caused by the rejection of preaching as the central-most important element in church. Millennial pastors are particularly falling for the concept of “contemporary preaching.” There is a preaching change taking place in pulpits all over the world — motivated, perhaps, by fair reasons, but justified with terrible theology. As they asked how can I make my church less church-like? For some it is the “looks” of the church, for others it is the music, and for the rest, it may be fashion and style. Whatever it may be, preaching becomes an element that is seen as a necessary evil, but pushed down to a much less priority level and transformed so that it looks less like preaching and more like a talk. In many churches, the looks of the meeting place are designed for a particular demographic group, usually younger adults. What millennials, baby-boomers or generation X need is preaching — theological, accurate, detailed, faithful Bible preaching.
This is what Paul explains in I Thess. 2:3-6: “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” The purpose of preaching, and of Christianity, is to proclaim the gospel as given by God, not seeking to please men, but longing to please God.
It really doesn’t matter whether God is pleased by a determined preaching style as long as it pleases the people. When this happens, we have changed real Bible preaching into a mere talk, a religious event. Preaching should be the central element in church because Biblical preaching is the call of pastors, the need for believers, the hope of the world, the means for salvation, the goal of ministry and the vehicle for evangelism. Therefore, there is nothing that could replace the value and effect of biblical preaching.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “At Ebenezer, we encourage each person to create their ‘Oikos Map.’ This tool helps us identify the communities we interact with on a daily basis, whether at the gym, work, the supermarket, school, etc. Once these communities are identified, we begin to pinpoint individuals within them and pray for them. This allows us to visualize who we can invite to our Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) or special events at Ebenezer.
“Last Sunday we celebrated our ‘Hispanic Heritage Celebration,’ an excellent opportunity to invite people from our Oikos maps. We had five visitors, and the time of fellowship during the meal was a great opportunity to connect with each of them. It was a blessing to have a congregation made up of people from Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and the United States.
“During the celebration service, I was surprised with an award for my pastoral work. It was the first time in many years that the pastor had been honored in this way.
“On a personal level, I was able to connect with two people. With Janie, Veronica’s aunt, Kory and I will begin a series of Bible studies on the life of Jesus. I am also building a bridge of friendship with Rolando from Guatemala. Ebenezer is a healthy church, and thank God, there is an atmosphere of grace where people are edified and impacted by the Word of God.
“Thank you for your prayers and support. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel with a pretty good number for both Sunday School and for Worship. Our new times are working out well, especially for the younger families with kids. It is a huge challenge for them just to get around and get there sometimes, and for the rest of us as well. The later times just seems to relax the whole morning, and we certainly don’t want coming to church to be stressful for anyone. For those that don’t know, Sunday School is at 10 a.m., Worship is at 11 a.m. and Sunday Evening Worship is still at 6 p.m.
“The drywallers really got with it this past week. They got all the taping, bedding and skimming done. They are set to spray the texture this week, and it looks really nice. They did such a good job! Our folks are really excited to be nearing completion and are looking forward to using those classrooms, and the kitchen! We are Baptists after all.
“Again, we want to thank you all for your support and prayers! And we thank God for you!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “We had an action-packed week at Faith Journey! Tuesday was our men’s and women’s Bible study night, along with our kids’ class. We had around 20 in attendance between the three groups. Everyone is really beginning to build strong relationships with one another as we learn and grow together in God’s Word.
“On Wednesday, we had the privilege of speaking at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting at a local high school. Around 125 students attended, and we were able to bring them pizza and share a Bible lesson on ‘Facing the giants in our Lives.’ You could sense the Lord’s presence and seeds were planted that day, and several students came forward afterward to ask questions and seek guidance. What a powerful reminder that God is moving in our schools and in the hearts of young people!
“Thursday brought another wonderful time of ministry at our local nursing homes. One of the young men from our mission has been faithfully coming each week to sing and play guitar for the residents. His music has brought a new level of praise and worship to their lives, and they are truly enjoying the time they get to sing and worship the Lord together. We were also blessed to have a pastor friend of mine join us for one of the services, and he shared in the message and fellowship.
“Sunday was another great day of worship and community at Faith Journey. Even though several families were traveling, we had good attendance, both services were filled with joy and encouragement. We spent time getting into God’s Word and were challenged to be bold in our faith and to take the love of Christ beyond our church walls and share it with others throughout the week.
“On Sunday afternoon, we met with a young couple who will be getting married in just a few weeks. This was our third counseling session together, and they shared a great testimony about how God is working in their relationship. They said they’ve noticed their faith growing stronger and their love for one another deepening as they keep Christ at the center. Their friends and families have even commented on how much happier they seem and how their relationship is clearly changing for the better. It’s such a joy to see God transforming hearts and homes through His love!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week has been exhausting with planning for our big event ‘Celebrating Our Cultures,’ where we will showcase each of the seven countries represented in the church, highlighting their cultural richness, the state of the church in each country, and traditional dishes and folk songs. We expect more than 50 people to attend, and it will be an opportunity to introduce them to the gospel. Sister Mayerlin is in charge of the organization. We ask for your prayers for this event.
“As part of the celebration of the month of pastoral appreciation, we have received many expressions of love from the brothers.
“On Thursday we had our connection group in Springdale at Iris’s place. On Sunday we started a new Sunday school class — ‘Church, should I attend?’ Where we teach the brethren the importance of the church in the lives of believers. In our worship we had two new visitors, who will return next Sunday.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Our Connection Groups met this week. Our Woodbridge Group in Pea Ridge did their first youth/adult split which went well.
“Keep praying for our leaders as they continue to lead out. Pray for us as we seem to really be in a state of flux trying to get new leaders going, adding new groups, current groups expanding to multiple meetings and figuring out how our multiple public gatherings look, all while still trying to keep replicating disciple-making at the forefront of all we do.
“We’re taking lots of steps with few people with little on ramping time which is making for a choppy journey at the moment.”
