Introduction

In 1857, the novelist Anthony Trollope wrote, “There is, perhaps, no greater hardship at present inflicted on mankind in civilized and free countries, than the necessity of listening to sermons.” He goes on to describe the “preaching clergyman” as “the bore of the age.” Preaching has always had its haters. We see this in the Scriptures and throughout the history of the church. So, is there a future for preaching? In this recording of Dr. Tony Merida’s main session teaching at the Acts 29 Advance Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, he says there is a future for preaching because the theological convictions which undergird preaching are timeless. He identifies five convictions that drive one’s commitment to preach God’s Word and proposes a model for preachers to follow.