Trinitarian Preaching: On The Father, In The Son, And Through The Holy Spirit -- By: Kevin L. Hester

Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 12:2 (Fall 2015)
Article: Trinitarian Preaching: On The Father, In The Son, And Through The Holy Spirit
Author: Kevin L. Hester


Trinitarian Preaching: On The Father, In The Son, And Through The Holy Spirit

Kevin L. Hester

Kevin L. Hester is Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee.1

Introduction

The concept of Trinitarian preaching may sound like an oxymoron. Like jumbo shrimp or a silent alarm, it seems to bring together two things that at first glance have little to do with one another. If the Trinity really is such a mystery, how can it have any practical relevance for the nitty-gritty activity of changing lives? Doesn’t theology belong more in the classroom than in the pulpit? What does a historical theology professor know about preaching?

I would submit to you that the reason Trinitarian preaching feels like an oxymoron is due to two misunderstandings related to theology and the purpose of preaching, both of which rely on an erroneous bifurcation between thinking and acting. The Enlightenment epistemology of science divided the metaphysical from the physical, leading to modern methods in the theological process that left little room for faith. At the same time, increasingly pragmatic approaches to ministry and preaching specifically drove the division of practical and systematic theology further apart. This shift has resulted in congregations that speak a syntax of Trinitarianism without grasping its reality.2 Our current practice does not adequately reflect its theological foundation in Scripture and God’s economy.

In October 2014, Christianity Today reported the findings of a recent LifeWay Research poll commissioned by Ligonier Ministries.3 The poll was targeted at the evangelical community and surveyed a number of key theological topics and concepts including God, the person and

work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and salvation. While these topics would seem to be basic Sunday school fodder, the results of the survey were disturbing. In most cases, 25–50% of evangelicals reported a lack of awareness or assurance regarding the teaching of the church on basic dogma. One seeming bright spot was that 96% of self-reported Evangelicals believed in the Trinity. However, subsequent questions revealed that this affirmation lacked significant comprehension. For example, 31% of respondents said that God the Father is more divine than Jesus, and 58% believe that the Holy Spirit is a force rather than a personal being. This survey reveals that our churches, while confessing dogma, are failing to adequately teach, define, ...

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