The
Irrelevent Preacher
The New Testament pastor-preacher, whom the scripture
admonishes to ""speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11), has become
a less and less relevent commodity in the local church. Christian
apologist Josh McDowell, a number of years ago, aired
some opinions about truth and relationships with regard to youth,
parents, and the church. One of his profound insights, in my
opinion, had to do with the subjective approach to the study of
Scripture. In
making his point, Josh began with this statement: "I would say that
roughly half of the Bible preachers in America today are culturally
irrelevant to their congregations." That is, the pulpit has lost its
influence upon the pew! God’s men are preaching, but the people are
indifferent to the message. He further pointed out that the "me"
culture of our day, and its effect on how we study the Scriptures, was
a major contributing factor. The goal of true Bible
study is the discovery of truth and the application thereof to the
life. Every effort is made to determine exactly what the inspired
writer meant to say by examining the historical context, word meanings
and usage, grammar, and other related Scriptures. Having established
the clear intent of the writer, and thus the mind of God, the truth
discovered can be declared with authority, and applied to the life.
This is true Bible study. This is how disciples are made! The dangerous alternative to discovering the truth is creating
it! This is a subtle phenomenon that has infiltrated modern-day
churches. It takes place when God’s people gather together, a passage
is read, and the leader asks, "What does this mean to you?" The matter
is then open for discussion. The objective process of diligent study,
discovery, and exposition is tabled in favor of the more subjective
method of opinion. Each individual thus determines for themselves what
the truth is, and what is relevant. One opinion is as good as another.
There is no need for a teacher of doctrine, only a facilitator of
discussion. The
potential for such subjectivism lies within the increasingly popullar
'Home Group' approach.
While many churhces now use Home Groups as an alleged means for
growing
disciples, the exact opposite could very well be the outcome IF
the teacher of objective truth, discovered and applied, is supplanted
by the facilator of subjective opinion.
This method is fast becoming the modus operandi among
Baptists and other denominations. One of the largest SBC churches in Florida is currently
replacing long-time teachers with facilitators. Biblical discussion is
a healthy exercise, as long as it involves the application of
discovered truth. An extraction of subjective opinion, without the
discipline of discovery, puts the truth up for grabs. This
is why, according to Josh McDowell, Biblical preaching in our culture
is in serious trouble. "Thus saith the Lord!" leaves little room for "I
feel that God is saying…" In many cases the pew believes that its
opinion is as viable as that of the pulpit. It is this subjective
mind-set that renders the pastor-preacher of objective truth virtually
irrelevant, both culturally and practically, in our present society.
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