What Makes A Preacher Great? Introduction and Warnings

Introduction

I've often wondered what makes a preacher great.

I've heard and seen hundreds of preachers over the years, some stand out in my memory, others have faded away. What made the difference?

This series of posts was first published about six years ago, but in light of the current crisis, with churches ‘meeting’ through unconventional methods, and preachers preaching to their congregations through the medium of a camera, I thought it good to revisit a timeless subject.

Over the next five posts, I'd like to consider, what I believe, to be some of the deciding factors when considering the effectiveness of a Preacher of the Word of God. Now I understand that the five issues I've chosen to highlight aren't the only things that could be considered under this topic, however, these are the ones I've been thinking through and felt burdened to share.

But before we launch into this series, I thought it pertinent to lead with some warnings.

Warnings

Beware of the word 'greatness'

Anytime someone uses the word 'greatness' when describing Christian ministry, we should proceed with caution. 'Greatness' in God's economy is vastly different to how we are prone to think of it.

Jesus needed to correct the disciples thinking on this subject as they argued among themselves about which of them would be the greatest.

Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV) - You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.

Test your heart

As already mentioned, I have often wondered about what makes a great preacher. Here too, we need to proceed with great caution.

As David cried out to God in Psalm 139, which is a beautiful picture of his transparency before an all knowing God, we too need to ask these same question now.

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

I've needed to sit still before the Lord on this issue and honestly ask Him to search me out. Why do I want to know what makes a great Preacher?

As a preacher and writer, I know the seductive voice of 'recognition' all to well; she calls to me constantly. In this matter, I desperately need the illumination of the Spirit on my wicked and corrupt heart.

Is it His name I want to exalt? Or is it my name?

Of John the Baptist, Jesus was able to say:

Matthew 11:7-11 (ESV) - "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in the kings' houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Why was Jesus able to say that? What was so great about John? Here's a clue. Among all the recorded words of John, we have this little gem.

John 3:30 (ESV) - He must increase, but I must decrease.

John was a powerful preacher; and although he was eventually beheaded, he was also an immensely popular preacher in his day as well - 'all Israel went out to hear him preach in the desert'. But somewhere along the way, John placed himself under the searching eyes of God and could honestly declare, "I must fade away".

Moving Forward

So as we  launch into our considerations over the coming days, I hope you will join me as, together, we see if we can discern what marks are borne by a truly great preacher.