Where Has the Preaching Gone?

One of Paul’s final admonitions to Timothy was, “Preach the word…” (2 Tim. 4:2). His admonition continued with the warning that there would come a day when people would not endure sound doctrine, but would instead desire “teachers” (2 Tim. 4:3).

Paul did not condemn teaching, but rather those who sought teachers because of their “itching ears.” He warned Timothy that, in the perilous times of the coming age, people would become intolerant of the challenging preaching of God’s Word that demands decision and obedience.

We now live in the time that Paul described. It seems that many churches do not understand the difference between “preaching” and “teaching.” Biblically, both are necessary and ordained of God. Yet, they are not identical. They differ in emphasis, tone, purpose, and application. One is not to be jettisoned while the other is retained. Yet, it is “preaching” that no longer appears to be in vogue. It has been relegated to the history bin as “old-fashioned and out-of-date.”

The primary New Testament word for “preach” is the Greek word kērussō (κηρύσσω). It literally means:

• To herald
• To proclaim publicly
• To announce with authority
• To cry aloud as a town crier

A preacher once was not merely a lecturer dispensing biblical information. He was a herald proclaiming the message of the King. He was not a soft-spoken motivational speaker, but a bold declarer of truth who demanded a decision.

We must not forget…
• Teaching informs the mind
• Preaching inspires the heart

We need to return the pulpit to its rightful place in the center front of the platform, so that all who enter will know that preaching is the priority. Then, we need to fill the pulpit with God-called, Spirit-filled men of God who will “Preach the Word!”