An Evaluation of the State of Preaching in the Trans-Tasman Union Conference

Abstract

<p>In many respects it may be said that the history of the Christian church is closely aligned to the history of preaching. A study of the history of preaching would seem to indicate that where there is strong Bible preaching there are also found strong growing churches. On the other hand, history would seem to indicate that where there is weak Bible preaching there are found weak declining churches.</p> <p>The purpose of this study is first of all to draw from the Bible itself a theology of preaching. After having laid out a theology of preaching, we will next proceed to examine the practice of the Christian church in regards to preaching to see how the church at large over the millennia has measured up to the biblical model. Space would forbid a thorough examination of the different eras, however a few of the more notable preachers are examined and their faithfulness to the biblical concepts are noted.</p> <p>The project then moves into examining the current situation of preaching in the Trans-Tasman Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (TTUC). A study of the results of a survey made among the preachers, both clergy and laity, asks for their evaluation of their preaching. This is followed by a study of a survey made among the hearers of the preachers. Special note is made of any agreement and any differences between the two groups. An effort is then made to evaluate the current situation of preaching in the TTUC using the biblical pattern which has been established as the norm by which the current situation may be evaluated. Strengths and weaknesses will be noted and interest will be taken in the areas where the preachers and hearers agree or disagree. What effect the preachers are having upon the hearers and what effect the hearers are having upon the preachers are areas which will be explored.</p> <p>The final area of this project is to look at my role as Ministerial Director of the TTUC in regards to what I could do to strengthen any perceived weaknesses.</p>