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i’ve been reading a lot lately. and listening. and i don’t think i like what’s being said.
back when i was in graduate school, i took classes on preaching. there was always a lot of discussion about the different kinds of preaching styles and methods. the big debate was always about the relative values of the three main ways to present the message: topical , textual or expository.
a topical message is when we select a particular topic or issue, research all relevant scripture, and then form the sermon into a logical and comprehesive presentation of the theme or subject matter. this can be done as single message or a series of messages designed to cover the entire topic.
a textual message is when we select a section of scripture and present the theme or focus of that particular text as a series of points or observations that come directly from the flow or outline within that passage. this can be done as a single message or as part of ongoing topical series or part of study through an entire book of the bible.
an expository message is similar to a textual message, in that the content of the sermon is formed directly from the text. the difference in expository preaching is that the content of any particular sermon is set in the larger context of the study of an entire book of the bible. expository preaching almost always refers to preaching systematically or sequentially through whole books of the bible at a time.
most preachers have strong opinions about the relative value of each of these methods and are not afraid to tell you. nor are they particularly reluctant to openly judge other preachers for having a different opinion on those values.
i think i’m getting ready to join the party. more later.
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