Renovate Conference“Preaching for Revitalization”

Joel R. Breidenbaugh, PhD

Preaching for Revitalization3 Key Ingredients:1.Deeper preaching—too many churches have become accustomed to skim-the-surface preaching2.Relevant connections—through relationships, knowing audience, visual aids & the like3.Repentant people—leaders & members

Biblical Examples

Churches in need of revitalization (2+ generations old):1.Ephesus (cf. Revelation 2:1-7)2.Laodicea (cf. Revelation 3:14-22)

Theological methods—the theological framework

• Incorporating biblical theology in one’s training• Incorporating systematic theology in

one’s training• Biblical theology is foundational to

systematic theology, but both are indispensable

Theological methods—developing doctrine from a passage of Scripture

• General principles for theological interpretation

1) Observe the redemptive-historical context (Christocentric)

2) Ask theological questions (God, man, Christ, etc.)

3) Observe the inter-canonical relationship4) Employ the analogy of faith

Theological methods—developing doctrine from a passage of Scripture

• Observe specific literary genres1) Narrative2) Torah3) Poetry4) Wisdom5) Prophecy6) Gospel7) Epistle8) Apocalyptic

Theological methods—homiletical methodology

• General principles for keeping the homiletical form doctrinally focused

1) Set the text in larger context of biblical message

2) Preach with a Christocentric undergirding3) Structure the sermon according to the text4) Relate the text to contemporary hearers5) Note the genre and try to reflect it in

preaching

Theological methods—homiletical methodology

• Applying genres in doctrinal exposition1) Narrative—deal with large chunks & preach

inductive-deductively2) Torah—note the 3-fold use of the Law

(restrain human wickedness, convict of sin, & instruct in righteousness)—relate to divine holiness or justice &/or man’s sinfulness

3) Poetry—worthy of parallelism, alliteration, rhyme; note mood of text

Theological methods—homiletical methodology

• Applying genres (cont.—)4) Wisdom—topical-expositional (like the rabbis

of old), keeping the epilogue in view (especially in Job & Ecclesiastes)

5) Gospel—should reflect the various genres of historical-narrative, wisdom, poetry, prophecy, apocalyptic, parable, & didactic

6) Epistle—didactic, blending both explanation and application

Theological methods—homiletical methodology

• 2 main kinds of doctrinal exposition:1) Textual doctrinal exposition—exposition

of a particular doctrine2) Consecutive doctrinal exposition—pure

exposition with doctrinal substance through a section of a biblical book or through the whole book

Practical aspects—challenges of a postmodern world

• Experts say there is no such thing as truth

• Preachers must stand on truth and work at communicating it

• Because of the rise of entertainment & the roles of language, image, & story, doctrinal exposition should take advantage of it & communicate clearly, creatively & visually

Visual Aid Examples

Visual Aid Examples

Visual Aid Examples

Visual Aid Examples

Practical aspects—application in doctrinal expository preaching

• Know your audience• Show the relevance of the Bible• Doctrine is meant to be applied

(Rom 11:33-36)• Distinguish between primary &

secondary doctrines & major on the primary

Planning Your Preaching• Prayerfully plan your preaching

calendar 6-12 months out• Consider doctrines & issues your

church needs to hear• 2 values of consecutive exposition

are it forces you to deal with tough texts & keeps you from hobby-horse criticism

Planning Your Preaching• Consider a Creative Team for

Preaching:1)3-5 people2)Different ages & genders3)Brainstorming group4)Can help with visuals, holistic

worship, communicating to different ages

5)Meet with 3-6x/year