What is Your Church’s Goal When Preaching on Sunday Morning?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Sun, June 18, 2006
- Viewed 562
- (33) comments so far
1. Teaching the Bible to People. Andy says that the idea here is to “teach the content of the Bible so that interested parties can understand and navigate their way through scriptures.” This is usually the goal of many preachers who teach verse by verse through all the books of the Bible. According to Andy, “This is the perfect approach for the communicator whose goal is to simply explain what the Bible means. Wherever we left off last week, we will pick up again next week. This approach requires no creativity. This approach need not include any explanation. This approach assumes a great deal of interest by the audience. And honestly, this approach is easy compared to other methods of communication.”
2. Teaching People the Bible. Stanley says, “Communicators who have embraced this goal are constantly looking for effective ways to impart biblical truth into the heart and mind of the hearer. This goal was behind the ‘three points and an application’ approach to preaching. The multi-point sermon or preaching outline is a great approach for a communicator whose goal is to teach people the Bible. Outlining makes it much easier for the average listener to follow along.”
I’m sure we all are very familiar with this style of preaching… many times the messages use a lot of alliteration and multiple illustrations (because this makes it easier for people to understand and remember the Word)…
Andy continues… “Generally speaking, the primary concern for the communicator whose goal is to teach the Bible to people is: Did I cover the material? The primary concern for the communicator whose goal is to teach people the Bible is: Did my audience understand and will they remember the material? In both cases success is measured in terms of information transfer.
If spiritual maturity were synonymous with information transfer, or more specifically, Bible content transfer, then either of the above options would be fine.
But it’s not. And you know that. I know that. Everyone I know knows that. The people that don’t know that wouldn’t read this book anyway.
You and I know that Bible knowledge can lead to pride; the antithesis of spiritual maturity. It’s interesting that the group who knew the Old Testament scriptures best were the very ones who considered Jesus a blasphemer and arranged for his crucifixion. Knowing isn’t enough.”
3. Teaching People How to Live a Life that Reflects the Values, Principles, and Truths of the Bible. Andy says, “In short, my goal is change. I want them to do something instead of just think about it.”
“When I’m finished preaching, I want people in the audience to know what to do with what they have heard. And I want them to walk away motivated to give it a try. This goal flows from what I understand the Bible to teach regarding spiritual maturity. The way I read it, spiritual maturity is gauged by application not contemplation. James says it best, ‘Faith without deeds is useless. Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...’”
FOR DISCUSSION: What is your goal when you communicate the gospel? Are you teaching the Bible to people? Teaching people the Bible? Of preaching for changed lives? Do you agree with Andy’s three categories, and do you think that one type of preaching is superior to another? Why or why not?
GET A COPY OF ANDY’S NEW BOOK: For some reason, Andy’s new book has been delayed from being released a few times, and has even gone through a title change… but it’s set to release from Multnomah on June 30; and you can be one of the first people to have a copy sitting on your desk. Here’s the deal… you’ll save a few bucks, support MMI, and have the book shipped to you direct from the warehouse as soon as it’s released. How great is that!? Order your copy today right here... (Hey, why not order a copy for all your staff! They’ll love you for it!) 
One of my favorite authors and speakers today is Andy Stanley. In his long awaited new book, "Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication," Andy shares three goals he sees that pastors have when they preach the Word of God.
Comments
if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, they will displayed on any website that supports them.
Pastor Bill on Mon, June 19, 2006
I will agree that when I preach, I tend to use method #3 - practical application. When I taught in nursing school (RN/LPN - my secular calling) application is critical. We read when Jesus used parables, He relied on things the people were familiar with - the world does (vo-tech schools)!!! So why do we have to complicate the Gospel in order to sound intellectual? If we are to have people believe that Christianity is for today and can be used in our modern “micro-wave”, “have it yesterday society” practical application is critical!!!!
God Bless…
Pastor Bill
Harold on Mon, June 19, 2006
Another Andy fan here. My thought is church services are first to bring the lost to a Saving knowledge of Jesus AND GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THAT DECISION, and then disciple them. But,,,,,,,,,
why is an invitation to accept Jesus so absent in most churches, even those that are “evangelical” in name and/or purpose?
Brian La Croix on Mon, June 19, 2006
I am preaching through the book of Matthew, and I can see where number one would be easy, as would be number 2.
I use an outline, but the outline (and the message) is designed to help people take the information and put into their lives in practical ways.
The preaching textbook I used when I first got started was so focused on “form” that I never got past that to really get into life-change.
However, I got the Rick Warren audio series/workbook, “Preaching for Life-change,” and it totally altered how I preach. Now my messages are focused on applying the principles, not just knowing them.
(Sorry if the RW reference gets people started http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/raspberry.gif...)
Not everyone likes these messages, because I also talk about the personal responsibility that comes along with hearing the message. It’s up to them to apply it, and ignorance is no longer an excuse!
Brian
pritchett4 on Mon, June 19, 2006
Kind of curious about the phrasing of the question - “what is your church’s goal when preaching….” The church that I serve doesn’t preach - I do, and I do have a goal of taking God’s eternal truth and applying it to the culture in which we currently live.
Wyeth on Mon, June 19, 2006
From the description of preachers who teach verse-by-verse through books of the Bible, I get the impression Andy Stanley never heard a recording of or read anything by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Lloyd-Jones was the epitome of one who preaches verse-by-verse through books of the Bible, and the testimony of many is that God indeed brought about life change through his preaching. In our day, I think the same could be said of preachers like John MacArthur or John Piper. After reading Stanley’s three categories, I was left wondering, have we no confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through God’s word? Which is more important in bringing about life change, the preacher’s creativity or the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon the preacher? Are we more dependent upon techniques of communication than the power of God?
I’m referring both to the power inherent in the word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon a holy man of God.
James on Mon, June 19, 2006
I too, am a fan of Andy Stanley’s view of application for life change with regards to preaching. I know others have espoused this in the past but it seems as with other things in life we need to be reminded of it from time to time. I do have to disgree with our brother Harold’s comment though. A worship service by definition is not first and foremost for the lost. scripture teaches as much. That said, I do belive that the lost can be convicted of their lostness and saved through the hearing of the Word in a worship service. Our job as shepherds/teachers is to communicate in such a way that people can apply it’s truth to their everyday lives. We are to help them learn “how” to study scripture and apply it in their lives in order that they leave changed and better able to impact their world and the lost around them.
Derek on Mon, June 19, 2006
I agree with Andy that the goal of our communication is change. I think that his #3 is well put. Our goal is: “Teaching People How to Live a Life that Reflects the Values, Principles, and Truths of the Bible,” but how do we teach people how to live this kind of life without becoming over preoccupied with self.
As I have experimented with teaching in a way that is application-oriented, I have run into the temptation of making my message all about the listerner…and God is lost somewhere in the mix. At the end of the day (or the sermon) if I leave the audience thinking more about their life than the life of God…I feel like I have failed.
Does anybody else share this struggle?
DT on Mon, June 19, 2006
I’m not convinced Andy has gotten us much further down the road with his focus on life change. I appreciate his efforts to move beyond dispensing information, but he is still talking about what people need to do in the future, once they leave church. Derek is on to something with his concern that we focus so much on the person and miss God in the process. I say feed people at church - give them a taste of the gospel that nourishes their soul, at church, and then make the connection to the rest of the week.
James on Mon, June 19, 2006
Well I don’t necessarily see that this is an either or kind of dilemna. People respond to the Word of God. Preach the Word! Then give them lofe application in order that they can engage the truth of the Word in their lives every day. By focusing on preacing the Word you are certainly focusing on God and not the person. I think we have failed our congregations by not teaching them how to study and apply God’s Word for themselves. I think sometimes we are afraid that they might actually know something we don’t or challenge us beyond our comfort level. Focus on God by preaching and teaching the truth of His Word and give application on how to live it out. I know it is hard…. But if it were easy why would God bother having to “call” some out to do it?
Jay Gainer on Mon, June 19, 2006
Personally I believe that all three come into the pulpit on any one Sunday. To teach the people the Bible, to teach the Bible to people and to teach/preach for a change in their lives. I pray that every pastor wants to see change in his church’s life. The Bible is a book of change and a book of wisdom and knowledge. I recently saw an article about acrostic math:
What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these Questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26.
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
AND, look how far the love of God will take you
L- O- V- E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and
Attitude will get you there, it’s the Love of God that will put
you over the top!
Put God first in your life and He will take care of the rest.
Ideas like this get the point across too.
Peter on Tue, June 20, 2006
I’d like to think that we can start being disciples of Jesus (trying to imitate Him and be like Him) understanding that DOING the word is key. So… as we preach, let’s teach our people to DO the word, not just know it. Much preaching only focuses on knowing “stuff” about the Bible, instead of knowing how to DO it.
my .02
Gino on Tue, June 20, 2006
Well, it seems Mr. Stanley has set up a nice false dichotomy and some straw men and knocked them down. As I was reading his comments, I was just waiting to hear how “Andy does it” because that was obviously going to be the “one way” to communicate effectively. (Funny, I thought Jesus taught scripture…). Sure enough, I was correct and of course, the other methods are the “easy” way out. Two things came to mind - I was reminded of my first pastor who criticized me for brining the Bible to church - it wasn’t necessary with the way he preached (for application). I was also reminded how much the Word of God is supposed to written on our hearts and how we are to meditate on God’s Word day and night and how Paul tells us to meditate on all things that are good, pure, holy etc…So Andy can criticize those who want knowledge (only) but some of us strive for understanding so that we may more fully live out Jesus Christ in our lives, so that we may better be used by God to fulfill His purposes in this world, so that we may truly glorify Him and enjoy HIm forever. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Todd Rhoades on Tue, June 20, 2006
Wow. Has Andy offended you somewhere along the line, Gino? Sounds like there’s something deeper going on with your comments.
Todd
James on Tue, June 20, 2006
Well it seems to me that we have kind of come to a concensus here in this blog regarding NOT overemphsizing any one tenet of preaching. Am I right? 1. Preach the Word, (so they know about God) 2. Teach the Word (so they know what to do about what they know)
3. Application (Creatively endeavor to show them how to apply the truth to their lives in practical, life altering ways) WOW, That is a high calling indeed!
Jacob Vanhorn on Tue, June 20, 2006
It is assumed that #1 & #2 only lead to contemplation and not application. That is a bad assumption. Gino is right on something. Andy Stanley has a ‘subtle’ pattern of knocking those who don’t do it his way. I don’t know of any pastors who use #1 & #2 and don’t exhort their congregation in some way to a behavior change.
Stanley says, “After preaching…I want people in the audience to know what to do with what they have heard. And I want them to walk away motivated to give it a try.” You can certainly do that with option #1 and #2 and many pastors do.
My other concern (and I trust that Stanley isn’t doing so, nor is he arguing for it; but it is a danger, especially if it is distorted as some do already) is that you can get people to change, to behave in a manner that is consistent with Christian values and principles without the gospel. It may not last long, but you can change behavior, it just won’t be a behavior changed through faith that pleases God. It may even be life change that is really a Christian mask. “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, look and behave like a good Christian.” Dr. Phil changes behavior all the time with what some would argue are Christian values and principles. Heck, some would say, so does Joel Osteen. But is the life change by the Spirit?
I have read other Andy Stanley books and articles. I believe his rightly stated goal is to identify biblical values and principles he wants to develop in his church, and then he utilizes story and scripture to do so. I bet sometimes he even uses a passage verse by verse in support of his sermon.
I do love the discussion though.
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >
Post a Comment