Preaching That Promotes Human Flourishing with Dominic Done
Oct 3, 2023
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Dominic Done, author of When Faith Fails, discusses the value of preaching that addresses doubt and skepticism. He explores the challenges of preaching in today's culture, emphasizing the importance of preaching Jesus amidst suspicion and tribalism. He also delves into the concept of goodness, charity, and mercy, highlighting the need for compassion towards those who doubt. The podcast explores how Jesus dealt with doubt and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of questioning and creating room for genuine faith.
People remain open and curious about Jesus despite their suspicions of pastors, churches, and institutions, emphasizing the need for pastors to keep their message firmly focused on Jesus.
In response to the rise of deconstruction and doubt among American Christians, pastors are encouraged to embody sympathy and compassion, walking alongside doubters and engaging them with truth.
Deep dives
Preach Jesus to Suspicion
Amidst a culture marked by cynicism and suspicion, pastors and communicators are urged to keep their message firmly focused on Jesus. Just as the Apostle Paul resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, the speaker highlights that people remain open and curious about Jesus despite their suspicions of pastors, churches, and institutions. A Barna study reveals that 82% of Generation Z wants to engage in conversations about Jesus, indicating their desire to explore whether this faith can bring about genuine transformation and human flourishing. By preaching Jesus to suspicion, pastors can address the prevailing cynicism and invite people into a meaningful encounter with the person of Jesus.
Preach Mercy to Deconstruction
The rise of deconstruction and doubt among American Christians calls for a merciful and compassionate response. While some forms of deconstruction can lead to a deeper quest for truth, unhealthy deconstruction can result in the abandonment of faith altogether. In recognizing the struggles and emotional pain that often underlie doubts, pastors are encouraged to embody sympathy and compassion, much like a physician repairing a broken bone. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking alongside doubters and engaging them with truth, pointing to the example of Jesus who responded to doubt with love and grace. By preaching mercy to deconstruction, pastors can create a safe space for individuals to wrestle with their faith and experience a deeper realization of truth.
Preach the Kingdom to Tribalism
The pervasive tribalism and division in society require a firm focus on preaching the kingdom of God. While political ideologies and affiliations often overshadow spiritual belonging, the speaker reminds pastors of their true citizenship in the heavenly politic. The new humanity, as described in Ephesians, is a place where labels and divisions no longer matter. By preaching the kingdom, pastors can call people to a higher identity rooted in God's kingdom and promote unity amidst a polarized society. Rather than preaching about causes, the speaker urges ministers to prioritize proclaiming the kingdom as God's answer to the division and brokenness of the world. By preaching the kingdom to tribalism, pastors can inspire a renewed commitment to a shared faith and vision of cultural renewal.
In this session (recorded in Austin, Texas) Dominic Done speaks about the value of being understood by our hearers, many of whom struggle with doubt, skepticism or cynicism towards the church and the things of God.
Dominic Done is a speaker and author of When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt. He is also Professor of Applied Theology at George Fox University, and a teacher at Westside A Jesus Church. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of Oxford and is currently working on his PhD at the University of Oxford with his supervisor Alister McGrath. He previously served as a pastor in North Carolina and Hawaii. He has also taught English for companies in Europe, lectured in theology and history at various Christian colleges, worked as a radio DJ, and lived as a missionary in Vanuatu and Mexico. Dominic is married to his wife, Elyssa, has a daughter named Amelia, and a fuzzy Goldendoodle, Bella. You can connect with Dominic on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @dominicdone.
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