I have been getting, for me, some difficult feedback about my preaching; it is being described as too academic. On the one hand I appreciate the criticism because it is better than someone saying "I liked your sermon." On the other hand it tells me that I have not connected with the congregation and that, of course, would be a problem. What really bothers me though is the sub-text I am hearing; namely, there is to be a division between the Church and the Academy. The language and deep theological reflection that we are encouraged to used in Seminary needs to be left behind or altered for the church. This points to one of the problems, I think, we have in the Church - not in my preaching. I do not believe there should be any division between the Academy and the Church or between my training and my practice. In short, the Church is not academic enough.
I don't know if I need to demonstrate this is the case or not, but one simple example. Some of the richest theological thinking around the Trinity was done by Gregory of Nazianzus and they were sermons preached in and to the local church which he pastored. He had more than 5 orations on the subject. Today, this would be forbidden! The doctrine of the Trinity is too complex and it would be too boring for people. Deep down, I suspect, what is being said is it doesn't matter! Who cares if people don't have an understanding of the Trinity? or the Incarnation? or any of the other matters which might be preached on.
I have spent the last 3 years having a very focused conversation on the question "what is the nature and mission of the Church?" It has become clear to me that the Church in North America has come off the rails and most in the Church do not have any clear or biblical understanding to answer this question. A big reason for this, I believe, is that our preaching has shifted from forming the people of God through deep biblical and theological reflection to using the Bible as a treasure trove of simple answers about how my life could become better; that is, "how can God make me happier?"
I suspect that the feedback is acurate - I am too academic or too theological, but I'm convinced I am no where near academic or theological enough. My conviction and hope is to become more academic and theological and to encourage the Church - the men and women who are Christ followers - to be so too.
Maybe the feedback you were hearing wasn't explained in detail enough. I too found it academic; however in a good way. I will have to admit that some of the concepts flew over my head simply because I have not read what you have, nor the education you have undergone.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that your main purpose as a leader of a congregation is to speak the truth in an unapologetic way or raw form. What might help the audience absorb more is a further breakdown of the message. A lot of the ministers I listen to, break a single sermon into several parts and articulate one concept at a time. Just like neither you or I would use Christian-ease when talking to a new or non-believer when expressing the concept of God and his son Christ. In the same fashion one must gauge the audience and make sure that the communication you want to get across is being received.
Do not be discouraged; even Paul had the same trouble in his day with Spiritual Immaturity.
Hebrews 5: 12-14
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
As our head Pastor Keith Smith likes to say; “Some of us are travelling on the road at different speeds, the important part is to continue the journey in the right direction.”