The Reformed Baptist has a decent post on idendifying bad preaching, though it shows signs of neo-fundamentalism. Here’s my summary list.
- The preacher fails to read or refer to scripture during the sermon.
- The preacher bases his points around some non-biblical metaphor or story, using scriptures to support the points of the story
- The preacher uses a scripture as a springboard, but then assembles his points from various other scriptures
- The preacher focuses on "how to" messages
- The preacher focuses only on felt needs, and not on sin
- The preacher fails to communicate any specific doctrine
- The preacher preaches moralism and God, but not Jesus (litmus test: Could the sermon be easily preached in a Synagogue?)
There are a couple of neofundie errors here, but in general, I agree. NFs like to focus almost exclusively on expository preaching, and frown upon topical study. Point number three shows this bias, and I wish the author would have mentioned that good topical study is the exception to "springboard preaching."
Also, the NF dislike for messages that focus on people’s needs (because they see this as man-centered, and marketing-oriented) is seen in points 4 and 5. Thankfully, the author allows for *some* how-to preaching, and I agree that we can’t just give people what they want or think they need. We need the whole counsel of God. And using marketing surveys and such to figure out what people are needing is not a bad way to choose your sermon topics once in a while, rather then forcing them to conform to what you are focusing on.
As far as generic moralizing, using non-biblical metaphors as an outline, and failing to use scripture in preaching (points 1,2,7), I totally agree that these are weak, if not lazy ways for a Christian preacher to preach.
Regarding point 6, I agree, although NFs focus on doctrine a lot, as evidenced by their zeal and common vitriol in attacking charismatic, danielg sensitive and emerging church proponents. But doctrine is good, no real argument there.
Hmm. Definitely number one, because that is the whole point isnt it? Otherwise you could call it a club meeting or something.
Based on 2 Timothy 4, I have always appreciated that a man has to "Reprove" "rebuke" and "exhort" when he is preaching the word to people. I like to be taught something of God's word and strengthened in some way by a sermon, even if it could be preached in a Synagogue. :)
I have always appreciated that a man has to "Reprove"
"rebuke" and "exhort"
I don't think that's the entire list of what you do with scripture.
For example, 1 Corinthians 14:3 says that prophecy (admittedly, is not preaching, but related) is for "upbuilding and encouragement and consolation." (ESV)
Or edifying, as in Ephesians 4:11-12. Which is kinda the same thing as exhort, only more teaching through encouraging maybe. I like this feature you have, btw where it automatically references any scripture you type in. Very cool. :)
How is evangelist church going different from catholic mass? I've been to many catholic services but never a protestant one. Is unitarian also different? I heard thats the most liberal.
I dont know about any others, although I am planning on attending a Catholic Mass with a friend, to see what it is like.
But on Sunday, we worship with singing (Ephesians 5:19), and we take communion (1 Corinthians 10:16), we have prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and we have preaching (many verses), and we give to the collection (1 Corinthians 16:2).
:)
I enjoy church.
At the end do you shake hands with everyone near you? That was always my favorite part of Catholic services.
We would shake hands and say, "Peace be with you."
We do shake hands. Although we dont say "Peace be with you" – we all converse and hug and chit-chat and discuss the lessons further. Just general stuff. We are a small, very close-knit congregation out in the country :)
We are very lucky in our preachers. They are very earnest in teaching the bible. Most of them say at least once in their sermon "If I am wrong, you will be my brother by pointing it out to me." Or something to that effect you know. I am not kidding. One of the reasons we get along so well, all of us, I am sure.
So Paul starting a sermon with pagan poetry was wrong?