Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

What Is Wrong with Preaching Today?

Sep 10, 2024

05:53

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Sinclair Ferguson, a distinguished theologian and author, dives deep into the challenges facing modern preaching. He reflects on why church sermons may lack impact and how congregations can aid in revitalizing this essential practice. Ferguson highlights the declining perception of preaching and advocates for recognizing and nurturing emerging preaching voices within the church. He emphasizes the crucial role of community support in fostering genuine talent for more fruitful spiritual development.

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Quick takeaways

Modern preaching is often undervalued in favor of personal study, reflecting a need to reassess its vital role in spiritual growth.

The preparation of effective preachers is a communal responsibility that requires recognition, nurturing, and prayerful support from the congregation.

Deep dives

The Central Role of Preaching in Spiritual Growth

Preaching is often viewed as an added extra in the wider context of Christian practice, but historically, it has been seen as the primary means for conversion and spiritual growth. Many Christians may prioritize personal Bible study or group discussions over sermons, leading to a diminished perception of preaching's importance. The episode raises the question of whether this shift in perspective is misguided, suggesting that we may need to reassess how preaching functions in nurturing faith. The late John R. W. Stott highlighted the state of modern preaching as 'miserable,' thus emphasizing the pressing need for preachers who are genuinely gifted and called to fulfill this role effectively.

The Decline of Preaching: Recognizing and Nurturing Future Voices

6min

Why can it sometimes seem that the preaching in our church isn't bearing much fruit? Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers this problem and explains how every Christian in the congregation can contribute to the solution.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/what-is-wrong-with-preaching-today/

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