Preaching-More Challenging

Going through homiletically correct motions in a sermon is a waste of time. Continuing some previous blogs regarding Ray Johnston's keynote address at the 2011 Thrive Conference at Bayside Church... young leaders are weighing in with Ray.

Young leaders are clamoring for their preaching and teaching pastors to stop talking just to be heard. Instead, throw down the gauntlet. Eloquent words are not desirable. What's needed is for young leaders to be challenged by the teaching of the local church. When that happens... young people will rise to the occasion.

I'm 45 years old. I'm not a 'young person' anymore... even though, inside, I feel like I'm about 28. I can say that this makes perfect sense to me. I agree. And, to the best of my ability, I try and live this concept out in my own teaching. Maybe to a fault.

I realize most readers, when asked if challenging preaching and teaching is what they desire, would give a resounding, 'YES!' But, could it be when we hear challenging preaching... we actually tend to get upset and really DON'T want to hear it?