Preaching That Connects
by Safiyah Fosua
" . . . proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable
or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with
the utmost patience in teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, NRSV).
When was the last time you heard a good sermon? I'm not talking about a masterful exposition of Scripture or great family entertainment, but a good sermon — one that addressed the deep issues with which you personally struggle. Most of us can count on one hand the times we were touched at the core of our being by a word from God. Yet, this is what so many people are yearning for both inside and outside the church. People are looking for preaching that connects.
In a recent staff training session, we were asked to form small groups to discuss what people were saying about the church. We were a roomful of people, female and male, from many geographical regions, a variety of age groups, and several ethnic groups and nationalities. Our conclusions
were all but encouraging. Most of us were forced to admit that both within the church's membership and outside its walls, far too many people felt that the church no longer connected with them — it had become irrelevant.
When did this happen? It happened in our lifetime, and it's happening now. We live in a world that is 'evolving,' or some would say 'degenerating,' exponentially. This rapid change cannot help but precipitate myriad changes in our lives.
History teaches us that everything changes; and over time, preaching has changed. The early church's preaching was both evangelistic and instructional. It invited unbelievers to accept Christ as Savior and provided spiritual direction for believers in their journey toward Christian perfection. However, somewhere along the path of modern Christian history, sermons ceased to connect with the heartfelt needs of the people.
Aware of the mistakes of previous well-meaning generations, many of us have taken the safe route — avoiding all conflict and controversy. Meanwhile, our church members and friends continue to face challenges — new challenges —that our parents never dreamed of! Great numbers of people are now looking for spiritual solutions to the new questions being asked in their hearts and homes. Might I be so bold as to suggest that we can no longer afford to ignore the deeper issues around us? What should we do?
Preach about them! Look for the faith challenges that are unique to your congregation. Many who are aging need to discern when it is all right with God for them to retire gracefully from their lay ministry positions. Others need to receive guidance in the face of family problems. What does our faith teach us about war? Some who live in polluted areas may just need to "feel" the sacredness of God's creation. The possibilities are endless. In a day and time when so many people are yearning for a word from heaven, it is time for those of us who preach to reclaim the authority God has given us to preach, correct, instruct, and encourage.
Dr. Safiyah Fosua is the Director of Invitational Preaching Ministries at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship.