Grafted In
Puritan Board Freshman
Based on a recent conversation that I had with a non-reform minded family member I have been wondering what demonstration of passion or fervor ought to accompany the preached word?
Countless times I have heard the argument that passion is the one trait that a good pastor will bring with him to the pulpit since this is a "sign" that the Spirit has anointed a person.
These types of statements are often accompanied by an assertion that preaching passionately and preaching doctrinally are polar opposites. This false dichotomy drives me up the wall and I would like to hear how others would give an answer.
I also believe that at the heart of these types of arguments is the assumption that the goal of preaching is merely moral persuasion because Christianity really is just bare ethics, "Do this and you will live."
But again, is a demonstration of passion a prerequisite for good preaching?
Countless times I have heard the argument that passion is the one trait that a good pastor will bring with him to the pulpit since this is a "sign" that the Spirit has anointed a person.
These types of statements are often accompanied by an assertion that preaching passionately and preaching doctrinally are polar opposites. This false dichotomy drives me up the wall and I would like to hear how others would give an answer.
I also believe that at the heart of these types of arguments is the assumption that the goal of preaching is merely moral persuasion because Christianity really is just bare ethics, "Do this and you will live."
But again, is a demonstration of passion a prerequisite for good preaching?