“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21 NKJV
The conventional wisdom of a postmodern age says that “because of the impact of postmodern thought and the rise in number of the ‘nones’ (that is, those who have disassociated themselves from the organized church), preaching is no longer an effective tool in communicating the truth of the Gospel. Therefore, more relevant forms of communication should be utilized to impact society.”
Prior to developing my disagreement, prudence requires a definition of preaching. The late Dr. Tim Keller described three levels of “Word ministry” (Keller, 2015, p.1). Publicly preaching Christ through Biblical declaration in a Christian worship service is understood as level 3 (Keller, p.7). Undergirding this are “the more organic forms of Word ministry at levels 1 and 2” which include informal relational contexts (level 1) and “writing, blogging, teaching classes and small groups, mentoring, moderating open discussion forums on issues of faith, and so on” (Keller, p.4). Defending the relevance of preaching today is done so with the understanding that Keller’s level 3 category of “Word ministry” is primarily in view (Keller, p.7). My disagreement is therefore adamant because the fashionable idea of progressive hipsterdom that preaching is irrelevant in postmodern culture is utterly false as it is in defiance of the precedent of Biblical authority, in denial of the testimony of Church history, and intimidated by a philosophy that is inferior to the Christian worldview.
Almighty God ordained that His Church as the Body of Christ, in general, and the local assembly, in particular, is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim 3:16). The primary gathering of God’s people is done on Sunday in celebration of Christ’s resurrection. At the heart of this worship service is the preaching of Christ through the faithful exposition of the Word of God. By the way, Keller’s book provides a stellar “Case for (Usually) Doing Expository Preaching” along with some dangers to avoid (Keller, p.32-39). Even though this is met today with hostility, befuddlement, and indifference by secular humanism, human autonomy, and moral relativism entrenched in the postmodern mind, God is yet sovereign and commands faithful men standing behind the “sacred desk” to preach His Word (I Cor 1:18-2:5; II Tim 3:16-4:5) (Mohler, 2017). In doing so, we must faithfully serve the Word and the people by preaching Christ “to the culture and to the heart” (Keller, p.23).
A rejection of preaching as an ineffective means of communicating the gospel to the postmodern mind is a denial of the testimony of Church history. John MacArthur noted that every period of reformation and revival in the annals of history has been characterized by robust Biblical preaching (Mohler, 2008, p.11). The millennial generation is the quintessential example of an adolescent culture that pays little heed to their predecessors whose hands have shaped them and upon whose shoulders they stand. Knowledge of history builds confidence in confronting the culture’s narratives, aspirations, and ideas with Christ’s superiority as the absolute standard of true wisdom, righteousness, power, and beauty (Keller, p.20).
To say that preaching is irrelevant to the postmodern mind is to be intimidated by a philosophy that is inferior to the Christian worldview. Every belief system must answer the ultimate questions of philosophy which include origins, purpose, destiny, and the problem of evil. Biblical Christianity is superior to postmodernism because Christ is the Ultimate Answer to these questions (Col 1:15-18). The absolute resolution of every plotline and the grand-sweeping metanarrative of Scripture is vested in Christ Himself (Keller, p.39). It is therefore incumbent upon the Church to counteract demographic trends by intentionally transmitting a comprehensive Biblical worldview to the next generation. Our progeny must understand that God’s Word provides intelligent answers to skeptical questions regarding science, evolution, millions of years, abortion, euthanasia, and sexuality (Ham, 2008, p.13). Emerging generations must know what they believe, why they believe it, and be equipped to boldly defend the superiority of the Christian worldview in the marketplace of ideas.
Here are some practical suggestions to make preaching more relevant in postmodern culture. The Bible is indeed like a lion that ought to be set loose from its cage and will defend itself (Keller, p.46). It must be understood though that this statement is rooted in presuppositional philosophy consistent with Keller’s generally conservative Presbyterian background and robust Reformed theology (Hindson, 2008, p.401-404). To reject the need for Biblical/Creation apologetics and Christian evidences though is not a wise position to take in a postmodern culture. Our sovereign God does indeed ordain the ends and the means of unfolding the eternal counsel of His will and therefore calls His people to be used of Him in carrying out His plan and purpose to the praise of His glory in Christ Jesus (Esther 4:14; Eph.1:11).
Plethora of resources, curricula, and training events are available through such ministries like Summit and Answers in Genesis’ Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. We must understand our target audience just as the Apostle Paul did in Acts 13 and 17. Those in the synagogue possessed foundational knowledge as God-fearing Jews whereas the Greeks had none whatsoever being immersed in pagan philosophy. Faithfulness today does not require a jettisoning of preaching because to say otherwise is in defiance of the precedent of Biblical authority, in denial of the testimony of Church history, and intimidated by a philosophy that is inferior to the Christian worldview. Not only is it still “the greatest and the most urgent need in the Church, it is obviously the greatest need of the world also” (Lloyd-Jones, 1971, p.9).
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 3:2-3a, 5 NKJV
References and Bibliography
Dever, M. and Alexander, P. (2005) The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel. Wheaton, IL: Crossway
DeYoung, K. and Kluck, T. (2008) Why We’re Not Emergent. Chicago, IL: Moody
Ham, K. (2008) The New Answers Book 2. Green Forest, AR: Master Books
Hindson, E. and Caner, E. (2008) The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House
Keller, T (2015) Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism. New York, NY: Viking
Lloyd-Jones, D (1971) Preaching and Preachers. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
MacArthur, J (2007) The Truth War: Fighting for Truth in an Age of Deception. Nashville, TN: Nelson
McCracken, B (2010) Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Mohler, Jr., R.A. (2002) Preaching: The Centrality of Scripture. Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust
Mohler, Jr., R.A. (2008) He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World. Chicago, IL: Moody
Mohler, Jr., R.A. (2017) Preaching in a Secular Age. www.AlbertMohler.com
Piper, J, Baucham, V, and Nunez, M “Is Preaching Still Relevant?” MIN 515 course video.
Spurgeon, C.H. (1955) Lectures to My Students. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
