For my Bible Exposition class we have to read Power in the Pulpit by Vines and Shaddin. Reading this book has really thrown some full-blown tradition in my face. I have shaken my head and exclaimed, “HUH?” more than once while in these pages. I want you all to consider this quote:
Preaching the Bible is an altogether unique enterprise, for God’s Word cannot be preached effectively when something is awry in the person life. God wants His vessel to be clean all the way to the innermost being–all the way to the preacher’s heart. A man might teach algebra adequately and yet not pay his bills, but he cannot expound the Word of God effectively and fail to meet his financial obligations. – pg. 72
Is this true? First, do we see our preachers as described in this passage, sinless? Second, can the algebra teacher really not expound the Word unless he is sinless?
Lew –
Again, here is that dichotomy thing going on, IMHO. One can be a good algebra teacher, but not a good preacher …. wow, just the small bit that you quoted was so full of man’s philosophies and tradition. That is so unfortunate, ya know? I’m sorry that you are being “forced” to read it … perhaps you can use this reading assignment as an opportunity to glean wisdom on how NOT to do this ;)
Blessings!
~Heather
Lew-
It’s always interesting to see what the “big dog” preachers that earn well into the 6 figure range think about finances as it relates to ones qualification to preach the gospel…Just the title of the book itself is very telling. (sigh)
Be blessed…
Brandon
Lew,
Is their power in the pulpit? Usually the answer is yes. But, not the kind of power that we need. That kind of power is only available through the Spirit, not the “Sacred Desk”.
-Alan
Heather
Thanks for the comment. I have a few quotes from this book waiting to be blogged about. The first part of the book is the worst, although there are bits and pieces throughout the rest that send shivers down my spine. It really is unfortunate.
Brandon
Good point – it is easy to meet your financial needs when you’re making the big bucks :).
Alan
Agreed, in fact there is probably too much power in the pulpit. We just might have replaced the Pope’s chair with the Pastor’s pulpit.
Thanks all!
Lew