Preaching Up A Storm

WHERE ARE THE PREACHERS?? I have been thinking about this question. In the last week or so I have had a few conversations with people about communicating God's word to people (especially young people) and how important the gift of preaching is to the Body of Christ and to the world! At Contend on Friday evening, Jon Steer preached an outstanding message on 'Men and Work'. On Sunday Richard Brown shared his first message for many months and it was excellent. BCC is based in Kingswood, an area that saw an amazing move of God when John Wesley (pictured opposite) preached to the tough Miners of the area. Today, we need people who can communicate God's Word. In our Leadership team breakfast meeting today, this topic came up again.

I know from my own life that I have always liked the sound of my own voice ;o) and speaking in public to large crowds has never bothered me. I used to be the Chairman of Debates at UWE when I was studying for my law degree and language, words, communication and seeking to explain complex, abstract concepts in simple, accessible and, dare I say it, humorous ways is one of my life's callings. Those of you who know me will probably concur! I think some of the best preachers have this natural ability to talk and communicate. It is just a part of their DNA. Some of my favourite preachers are people like Mark Driscoll, Colin Urquhart, Joshua Harris, C.J. Mahaney, Jesse Duplantis (although I find some of his teaching highly questionable), Louie Giglio and Paul Scanlon are all highly gifted communicators and preachers. These men have a profound impact on the Church and beyond. A gifted preacher and teacher can lift the people of God into the presence of God and inspire them to go and do the work of God.

We too need to pray, identify, train, equip and provide opportunities for new emerging preachers in BCC to come forward to grow. This includes women and young people. There are some teens who have a very clear anointing on them to preach and teach. Sharing in Home Groups, at Unique and Contend, Guest Services, Energy and more all provide excellent platforms for a bit of 'practice' and to get some feedback and learn how to improve.

In the meantime, it is worth remembering that what makes the difference in preaching is the ownership and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Ironically, He sometimes chooses people who know that they are not very eloquent or articulate and anoints them to speak prophetically and with the very authority of God. I have found that on occasion I can organise the Holy Spirit out of my preach and lock myself up with too much structure and 'sticking to my notes'. As you get more confident you feel secure enough in the Holy Spirit's leading to go 'off-roading' and see where He takes you.

Pray for the preachers in this Church, both those who are emerging into this role and those who are still keeping this gift to themselves...their time will come!