DEFUSING SPIRITUAL DEPTH CHARGES
Joel C. Hunter
April 1, 1987
After the service she waited until I was alone. I had noticed her and assumed this dear Christian lady had a problem that needed to be mentioned in privacy. I was partially right.
"Joel," she ventured, "I have something to say to you, but I'm not sure I should." Not knowing whether to encourage or discourage her, I simply nodded my head and waited. Finally, she said, "I just have not been getting the kind of depth from your sermons that I need."
Ouch.
Thankfully I did not respond with my first few impulses:
(a) to explain my entire philosophy of preaching, using words like esoteric and broad-band transmission and avoiding the gnostic heresy,
(b) to discredit the plaintiff, or
(c) to say, "Well, the Lord tells me what to preach. If you don't like it, I guess we both know whom you are fighting against."
After making an appointment to talk further with her about it, I left the sanctuary. My confidence was shaken, my fears in full bloom. And my anger drove me to consider the matter further.
The phrase spiritual depth is fast becoming a catch phrase in church circles, and it's easily used as a weapon. How do I defend myself against the charge that I lack spiritual depth? To add to the frustration, I have yet to hear a concrete definition. And since it describes the core of life rather than a simple behavior that can be changed, what could be more devastating?
How ironic that such a spiritual quality should become a means of judgment rather than blessing! I cannot conceive that those with true depth require more than they give. Those I consider spiritually deep see the best in others and often learn the most from common people and events. They can get truth from a rock.
One such man was a member in a church that changed pastors. The departing ...
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