A Voice in The Wilderness

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Our listeners know us, trust us, and see in us lives that largely back up what we preach. That accomplishes more than mere homiletical skills ever can.
— Haddon Robinson

Your sermon ends, and you're pleased with it. Then someone from the congregation approaches with a beaming smile.

"Nice sermon, Pastor. Say, did you hear Charles Stanley on television this morning? He has been preaching on grace for several weeks. Powerful messages! He says that …"

The church member means well, but you can't help but feel people are comparing you — unfavorably — with someone who is a ten-talent preacher, a communication king.

When I was in seminary, celebrated preachers spoke in our chapel and at local conferences: Harry Ironside, Vernon McGee, Roy Aldrich, Stephen Olford, Ray Stedman. After hearing these preachers, others were inspired. But I walked out of the service wanting to quit. I remember once reading a sermon by Peter Marshall and literally weeping in frustration because I could not produce a sermon approaching his. Reading a communication king made me want to get out of preaching altogether.

Many pastors can identify with those feelings. Today many more "kings" rule the homiletical landscape. Media preachers are some of the most gifted, and they enjoy extra advantages like researchers, audio or video engineers, and freedom from the drain of everyday pastoring.

In addition, local pastors preach in the communication age. Every day of the week, our people hear the best communication money can buy, from smooth tv newspeople, to dazzling entertainers, to hilarious comedians—all of whom are supplied with words by professional wordsmiths. Madison Avenue spends millions on thirty-second tv spots or one-page magazine ads that communicate with ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.