Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 13:2 (Fall 2022)
Article: Balanced Preaching: A Four-Legged Stool As A Model
Author: James R. Newheiser

STR 13:2 (Fall 2022) p. 65

Balanced Preaching: A Four-Legged Stool As A Model

James R. Newheiser

Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC

Abstract: While consecutive expository preaching has become the norm in many conservative churches, different preachers have different emphases. Some focus upon detailed expositions of the text so that their sermons sound like running commentaries. Other preachers emphasize certain favorite theological themes. Some rush straight into application, with little explanation of the text. In recent years, preaching in which the focus of every sermon is how the text fits into the history of redemption has become popular in certain circles. I have developed a model for my students in which each of these four emphases is treated like the legs of a stool. While some texts may call for more emphasis on one “leg,” every good sermon should have all four elements. Furthermore, over time, one’s preaching ministry should be balanced among these four aspects.

Key Words: balanced preaching, consecutive expository preaching, Dennis Johnson, Edmund Clowney, Jay Adams, John MacArthur, preaching with purpose, redemptive-historical preaching.

What’s A Preacher To Do? Conflicting Approaches To Preaching

In 1999, Dennis Johnson, one of my professors from Westminster Seminary in California, shared an unpublished paper he wrote for his preaching students entitled “What’s A Young Preacher to Do? Toward Reconciling Rival Approaches to Reformed Preaching.” In this paper, Dr. Johnson shares his seminary experience in which he was exposed to various competing preaching models. Proponents of each approach offer reasons why their system is superior and point out potential weaknesses or excesses of other homiletic methods. Later, Dr. Johnson incorporated a revision of this material in chapter 2 “Priorities and Polarities in Preaching” in his book, Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ

STR 13:2 (Fall 2022) p. 66

from all the Scriptures.1 Here he categorizes reformed preaching into three broad categories which I found to be helpful.

1. Preaching to Convert. Evangelism was an emphasis in the sermons of the Reformers, the Puritans, and many great preachers such as Spurgeon. Many evangelical churches in our day make the evangelization of the lost a primary focus of the worship service, which often culminates in an altar call. Preaching to felt needs has been an emphasis of seeker-sensitive churches whose preaching is primarily aimed at the conversion of the lost. There also have been well-known reformed preachers in recent years whose preaching has sought to show how the gospel speaks to ...
   
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