Why Pentecostals Don?t Preach Expository Sermons...Continued from page 2
Jeff C. Magruder
Expository preaching assumes the power and authority of Scripture. Expository preaching presents the power of the word as it is explained and applied to the lives of people. Pentecostal’s strong commitment to the authority of the Bible should lead us to utilize more intentionally expository preaching.
When people think of Pentecostal preaching they commonly think of a delivery style that is characteristic of Pentecostal worship (exuberant, spontaneous, simple speech, etc.). Without wanting to dismiss the distinctions found in much Pentecostal sermon delivery, it would be a mistake to think that Pentecostal preaching is primarily understood in terms of style. Indeed you cannot fully appreciate what motivates this zeal unless you define Pentecostal preaching in terms of theology.
A most helpful definition of Pentecostal preaching was offered by R.H. Hughes. He wisely refuses to distance Pentecostal preaching too much from preaching done by other evangelical ministers. Hughes focuses not on differences in delivery, instead he addresses the unique theological emphasis that Pentecostals have, most notably Acts as a pattern for the life of the church along with speaking in tongues, gifts of healing and spiritual warfare.
Assuming his definition is correct, Pentecostal preaching should be defined in terms of doctrine instead of delivery. Does it stress the need of the church to be empowered by the Holy Spirit? Does it teach that the works of the Holy Spirit through the disciples in the Book of Acts is more than just a record but instead a pattern for Christian service and spirituality? Does it create expectation in the lives of the audience regarding Gods ability and willingness to work through spiritual gifts, yesterday, today and as long as the church is doing her work?
If the answer is yes, then that is Pentecostal preaching; and it is my conviction that expository preaching will help to firm up, clarify, and better explain the exegetical base from which those doctrines emerge.
Expository preaching is a philosophy that?when done intentionally and thoughtfully?will provide Pentecostal preachers with the ability to deal with relevant issues with confidence that their proclamations are firmly based on the rightly divided Word of God. It does not limit creativity or minimize the value of other forms of communication but rather helps to clarify what preaching really involves and grounds the speaker and the audience in the scripture.
Expository preaching does not require that one deny his culture, personality or delivery style; but the Pentecostal preacher rather takes those vital ingredients and weds them to the proclamation of the authoritative, transforming message of the gospel. Ultimately, the greatest value of expository preaching for the Pentecostal preacher is the opportunity to partner with the Holy Spirit from the determination of the biblical concept to the final delivery of the message.
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Jeff C. Magruder is Assistant Professor of Bible and Church Ministries at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, and Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Assembly of God church in Grand Prairie, Texas.