Should Pastors Preach on Difficult Subjects?
This Summer and Fall, the pastors at St. Paul's have been preaching through the book of 1 Corinthians. As we've reached the middle of the book, we've come across difficult themes, such as marriage, divorce, sexuality, church discipline, lawsuits among believers, etc. I will be real honest with you. I've skipped some of the passages. I've gone to other pastors and asked for their advice. We prayed about it. Some of the passages I skipped because I felt the Holy Spirit was preventing me AT THAT TIME from preaching on a certain topic.
But there were also days when I felt like, even though it would be hard, it was the right thing to tackle a tough topic. I remember preaching the sermon on divorce, realizing that it would be difficult for several people sitting in the church that day. The same was true for the sermon on sexual immorality. One of the pastors on our staff preached a follow-up sermon on sexuality the next week. Someone walked out before he began, just because of the topic.
We live in an age of tolerance, where it is increasingly unpopular to speak about biblical views on morality. This is a complex issue. On the one hand, we preachers need to speak in a way to gain a hearing. Jesus did that through his parables, and through his miracles. But on the other hand, we can't compromise the message God has given us through his word.
Listen to this short video clip, by Francis Chan. I'd love to hear your comments. [Please click on "add new comment" below].
I just got a question about your video.
I am a relatively new Christian so I am like a fly brought to the ocean and told to drink. But sometimes the fly wonders what he is drinking. I saw your video and was curious on how people are supposed to meet Jesus and see all his love when they hate the messenger? I want everyone to meet him and see what he has to offer. Maybe they get confused/scared on what the message really is all about. Some people are so deep in sin because of broken and misguided hearts. I was one of them. Is it not good to send out a message if you don't think it will do any good? Should I question whether or not I am the right person to tell this message? What I am trying to say is I don't think sometimes it would be right for me to send a message if I don't know what a person is going through.
Well if you get this and can answer some of it my e-mail is Zacharythelegend@gmail.com Thanks.
P.S. If it sounds like a jumbled up mess it's because of my ADD. I have constant brain farts and it messes me up and I don't know how to reword it.
Hard subjects
Yes do the hard subjects. I know that this puts you in a more vulnerable place and you will be watched in your personal life. Paul said "I'm not ashamed of the gospel" and you are letting the congregation know what is expected by God's standard in his Word. Some sermons are hard for us to hear because we don't want to face issues or we have been hurt. But 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 says, "All scripture is God-breathed and is usefull for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equiped for every good work." You are trying to thoroughly equip the saints of St. Paul's.
Thanks, Juanita
Juanita, thanks for encouraging preaching on difficult subjects. Coming from you, with all the difficulties you've had in life, I take your comments seriously.
So far, there is not one person who has encouraged me not to preach on difficult subjects! Ruth said I need to keep people's needs in mind. Does anyone else have cautions for the preacher?
Difficult Sermons to Preach
Should pastors preach on difficult sermons? YES, as the Lord leads. A couple of Sundays ago, I preached a sermon on "Who am I?" which pointed us to who we are in Christ. I mentioned a huge list of things that define our identity from without and within. Among the list which included athlete, winner, father, daughter, baker, engineer...I added words like rape survivor, abuser, addict.
Though some of my more "conservative" people winced...the next week, others commented that they appreciated the bold exposure. They said they now knew they had a pastor who wasn't afraid to counsel and talk about the hard stuff.
It was especially poignant as we moved in the sermon to our true identity: sinners redeemed and forgiven by the work of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring about our salvation.
The power of God's grace is often most realized when people like John Newton, a former slave traitor, receives Christ's love and forgiveness and is made whole and clean. Now that is truly Amazing Grace!
Bold Love
Martha, preaching using the examples you mention shows bold love on your part. I remember once I did a four part sermon series dealing with the 12 Steps to Recovery (AA, etc.). Some of my members were offended that I would think they needed to hear such a sermon series. Even though I related the messages to our Spiritual life in Christ, the idea that people in the church could be controlled by addictions or compulsions was offensive to many ears.
Several months later, one of our men who had been attending AA for years gave a testimony in front of the church. The entire congregation applauded for a long time after he spoke. Sometimes, the fruits of our bold messages are harvested at a future date. I pray you will see the fruits of your bold love in the near future!
Here's Ruth
I've pullled the plug on "sound" on my computer and can't really find the place to put it in again. So-- I could not hear the item on your message. However, here is an older (84) woman's thought.
First of all, Paul did not hestitate to preach, did he: Truthfully, I did feel "what's in it for me" on the love and marriage Sundays, but I didn't hesitate to join in praise and worship. Also, I realized our church family includes many younger people and we are counting on them to walk into the future.
If these younger people are planning to rely on the information from media and internet sources, pity all of us! How can they know the Word?
Perhaps some part of the service could dwell on the burdens individuals feel as they come to St. Paul'son Sundays. Perhaps and extended prayer time ---.
Balance in Worship
Ruth, you remind me of my mother. She is 85 and still picks up her e-mail every day. Thank you for venturing into the world of blogging! You are amazing!
How beautiful that you realize the diversity in the body of Christ, and that not every sermon may hit home for your situation each week. The same is true with my quiet times. Sometimes, the passage seems to fit my current situation, but sometimes, it is God giving me a message for the future, or maybe even to help me understand someone else and their situation.
I'm thinking small groups are a good spot to deal with individual burdens, but certainly the prayers should reflect those burdens in corporate worship. That sounds like the topic for another blog . . . prayer in worship.
What's a Pastor to do?
Even though we are no longer able to hear you preach every Sunday, I say, preach the entire Word of God! Both the difficult to hear and the more pleasant to hear. We are commanded to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). God doesn't care whether his Word is "popular" or not. "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3)
The greatest service you can do your congregation is to preach on every subject the Bible covers. God will bless you and St. Paul's as a result! He will bring growth and change to the congregation at every level, whether they are new to church or are among the 3rd or 4th generation to attend St. Paul's.
God bless you as you wrestle with difficult subjects. We are praying for you, Sara and Robert Emery
Missin' You
Sara and Robert, we are really missing you both at St. Paul's, but reading your comment is just like having you here with us. Thanks for the reminders from Paul's letters to Timothy. Those are good words.
Tough Subject Matter...Hard Subjects to Talk About...
Well Pastor Mark, the way I see it, the world is spinning out of control in several areas and Christianity is still the "voice of reason" to anyone who will listen.
You are our voice of reason and we don't need our leader to be a "milk toast preacher". We need to hear it all, from God's Word and from your mouth with passion. Be BOLD and never be afraid to tackle these difficult subjects, I can guarantee you that many folks sitting in the pews in front of you will tune in like never before. Challenge your congregation at every opportunity, draw them out, hold them accountable, don't accept excuses, don't fall for the poor me stories.
We're in a battle that many think is going to get more and more difficult. If not YOU...WHO, For such a time as this?
Don't hide behind the pulpit, (not saying you do), but get out in the aisles and make people hear you and understand you. You probably don't realize the POWER you have, especially when the Holy Spirit is forming your every word. BE BOLD.
Remember, this is not a popularity contest. There will be many winners if you can reach those who will hear. Your job is to MAKE them hear.
"Sic 'em"
Hey, Ted, thanks for being the first to comment on the blog. Your words are like saying "sic 'em" to a German Shepherd. Better watch out.
This Sunday, I'm preaching about Holy Communion, from 1 Corinthians 10 and 11. Besides being a symbol of Christian Unity, and a time to remember all that Christ has done for us, it is also can be dangerous:
(1 Cor 11:28-30 NIV) A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. {29} For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. {30} That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
That will be difficult for some to hear. Pray for the proclamation of God's word this Sunday!