that’s a great quote by Wesley. You’re right, the ’spiritual’ realm is manifested at its fullest in the real world. All of us need to rediscover how to connect with our current culture in a faithful way… the challenge is we’re all in unique contexts, but there is much we can all learn from one another…

The first tough thing about preaching in a postmodern context is knowing what preaching looks like in such a context. Demanding that all assent to a ‘truth’ which relies on our own take on scripture and isn’t demonstrated in a Godly life is bound to fail. Rooted, faith-led and costly discipleship is the best preaching I know of, alongside authentic spirit-filled accessible worship.

Jake, absolutely. How often do you hear of Christians a couple years after conversion sharing about how they have no unbelieving friends anymore? How much more difficult must it be for pastors… which is why i’m committed to always be involved in ‘other’ organizations/groups.

Jason.. you’re right it’s a heart issue across the board.

Alex, i was surprised to learn a couple hundred years ago, merchants would HIRE revival preachers to proclaim the word and people in the hundreds and thousands would flock to hear them… and pick up some goods in the public square. How times have changed, eh?

Parke, I know I can do more as well. I look back at some of my previous speaking engagements and it just depresses me.

Marty, I haven’t read it yet, but i’ll be adding that to me read-soon shortlist. I think pastors ought to be so much more, but they’re often percieved and paid to do that one thing, that is often so ineffective for many. Maybe most of them just aren’t capable? or need to try a different set of tools?

Heather. thanks for sharing… me too. I’m not connected/disconnected in all the right places either. Also interesting point about topical preaching… some people these days feel that’s the only thing that works with a postmodern audience…?

random comments:

1. I am sick of preaching the homelitics style. Now, i have been a pastor and have a Bible college degree, but i find some people never find their communication syle. Thus, somethings can be really shallow.

2. I am sick of people writing sermons based on thier own biases or prooftexting of scripture to make something fit. Topical preaching can get on my nerves after awhile.

Just some thoughts…

When I get a chance to speak I try to see how I can give practical illustrations from the gaming guild some of our guys are involved in and the office life that so many of us know well, but I know I can do more.

i too believe in proclaming the gospel. but delete the “job” of lecturing to an existing captive audience and now go preach. in that world, i think that “persuasively communicating the gospel to unreached people” becomes a better way to speak of preaching.

at this point, market forces come into play. how many unreached people would invest money or time to hear most preachers? not many. only those who’ve become convinced that sitting before a monlogue once a week is the way to practice their faith.

in fact, two and one half decades ago, i shared with my brother an insight i had gained that i think shaped both his and my thinking. here it is: the job of the pastor is not “preaching”. the pastor’s job is guiding a community in “life transformation”. one of the tools in the pastor’s toolbox for life change is preaching. the pastor may or may not use this tool depending on his own facility with it and/or the circumstance. [HT to Walter Brueggemann from whose writings i gleaned this].

good post and conversation here.