Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 02:2 (Winter 1993)
Article: Theological Preaching: “Congregation Repellent?”
Author: James K. A. Smith

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EmJ 2:2 (Win 93) p. 193

Theological Preaching: “Congregation Repellent?”

James K. A. Smith1

A strange phenomenon has plagued North American evangelicalism. In the history of humankind it is not peculiar to this group. The same crisis overtook the Samaritans on Mt. Gerizim and even the brilliant Greeks in Athens.2 Evangelicalism today is worshipping an unknown God.

As Paul the Apostle was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens he took advantage of the opportunity to do some sightseeing (Acts 17:16). This was not a relaxing tour. The idolatrous worship of the city enraged him; and as he continued, he came across a strange altar dedicated “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” What a ridiculous proposal. The idea of worshipping a god one does not know seems incredulous. Or is it? Is this not the same practice of the majority of evangelicalism today?

James Montgomery Boice most poignantly observes the contemporary situation:

Why is the church weak? Why are individual Christians weak?. .. They have forgotten what God is like. .. . Ask an average Christian to talk about God. After getting past the expected answers, you will find that his god is a little god of vacillating statements.3

EmJ 2:2 (Win 93) p. 194

The Church today does not know God in an intimate, dynamic way. Why is this?

The thesis of this article is that evangelicalism’s depth of the knowledge of God is directly proportional to the quality of theological preaching the Church receives. The preaching ministry is a vital organ in the growth process of the Church. If the pulpit diet is deficient, the congregation will starve. One need not contemplate this very long before the shallowness of a great deal of preaching becomes evident.

But there may be another problem. Perhaps theology is a regular part of the pulpit diet, but it is served in such a distasteful manner that the congregation clamps shut its jaw and refuses to eat what it needs.

I believe that latter scenario is common. The preacher earnestly desires to communicate theological truth to believers. Unfortunately, it is often conveyed in “textbook language,” perhaps with little practical application. The congregation becomes dissatisfied, the preacher becomes frustrated, and soon theology is no longer heard from the pulpit—the first scenario sets in.

Yet, if the Church is to mature, theological truth must be part of a well-balanced spiritual diet. The baby should not be thrown out with the ...

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