EXPOSITORY PREACHING BEWARE!

There is a sense of pride among evangelicals when good expository preaching is being modeled in their churches. Expository preaching is viewed by most mature believers as the model of good scholarship and and depth.

However if expository preaching doesn't include life transforming application it can be lifeless and just another academic exercise. Worse yet it can communicate to the body of Christ that you can substitute knowing for growing.

While most of us would agree that this is true, I have sat under far too many sermons that were obviously prepared well. The Greek and Hebrew were dissected along with the historical context. But it is empty and lifeless. There is no passion or practical application. There seems to be no heart connection between and message and messenger.

While we quote that "the Word will not return void unto us", let me remind us that the Word decided to become flesh.

H. H. H.

What does H. H. H. stand for? Head, Heart, Hands.

What kind of church is yours?

A "Head" church would be categorized as a "teaching church". A heavily guarded pulpit with expository preaching. These churches have a tendency to attract the believer who wants to grow deeper. Unfortunately many of those folks just like to substitute knowing for growing. While strong Biblically based teaching is essential it is not the end all to a church that transforms lives.

A "Heart" church emphasizes the experiential. This might include many of our "charismatic churches". This kind of church can easily fall prey to emotional urgings while bypassing the teaching of the Word. I truly believe that this component is sometimes sadly lacking in the evangelical church however if this is only emphasized we are in danger of substituting feelings for facts.

A "Hands" church emphasizes the missional. These churches are extremely busy fulfilling the mandate of meeting the needs of those around us. The more active these churches are in the community the greater level of maturity is manifested. Not necessarily so. The danger here is to fall into a social gospel mentality, substituting doing for being.

So what is the answer? All three must be in balance in order to be healthy and successful in God's economy. This holistic approach was defined for Joshua before he took the nation of Israel into the promise land. God tells Joshua that in order to be successful he must study the book of the law, (head) meditate on it day and night, (heart) and be careful to obey it (hands).

Healthy pastors must be keenly aware of and practice all three in there lives and in the life of their church.

Are you out of balance?