Homiletics (1): Spirit-inspired from the beginning

Many have genuine concerns when it comes to mixing preaching and science. But it is worth taking a closer look. Because homiletics is not as foreign as it sounds. Here is the part one of a series. 

Homiletics is the art of preaching, in other words the science behind it. It deals with the theory and practice of delivering the gospel and draws on knowledge and tools from communication science. 

And this is precisely where the subject of homiletics occasionally meets resistance. Critics fear that engaging with homiletics could hinder a Spirit-inspired and authentic sermon. Because sometimes homiletics is seen as a “man-made” endeavour that might feel too academic or intellectual. A sermon, after all, should not just be an intellectual exercise, but convey a message filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Only a new term

Without even knowing it, whenever ministers prepared and delivered sermons up to now, they were already doing homiletics. Praying, engaging with the Divine Service Guide, and personal thoughts and research are integral components of the subject that ministers perform already. So, training in homiletics is building on an already existing foundation. For newly ordained ministers, it can also be a means to prepare them for one of their future tasks: to proclaim the word of God.

Homiletics is biblical

Our inspiration also in this matter is Scripture itself. When we read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), or Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2: 14–36), we can see that Jesus and the Apostles did not speak randomly, but conveyed with conviction a structured and coherent message. It was their aim to illicit an appropriate response, for example a change in people’s understanding, attitude, or conduct.  

This is also evident from the example of Paul. During his first missionary journey, Paul was invited to speak to the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. What is recounted in Acts 13: 16–41 is representative of the content that would have been delivered by him. His sermon was structured in such a way to call people to faith in Christ:

• He gave an overview of Israel’s history.
• He gave an overview of events during Jesus’ ministry.
• He explained Jesus’ death and resurrection, which brought about the forgiveness of sins. 
• And he helped them to see that all these events were accomplished in the fulfilment of the scriptures.

Going the journey all the way 

Proclaiming the word of God is a combination of various elements. Based on the authority of the Apostle ministry and the authority extended through ordination, it combines 

• a Spirit-inspired personal faith and conviction (a minister must be authentic) 
• knowledge (a minister must understand Scripture, the doctrine of the Church, and contemporary circumstances, etc.) 
• Spirit-inspired preparation (prayerful and thoughtful engagement with the Divine Service Guide) 
• and lastly, a Spirit-inspired delivery (a minister can only preach out of faith and conviction)

To put it differently, the Holy Spirit is not only active during the divine service, but already before and during preparation. Homiletical principles and the activity of the Holy Spirit are not mutually exclusive. They go hand in hand. Homiletics is a way to open understanding of the whole process.

It is not about man-made techniques and strict guidelines. Just like the biblical examples mentioned above, it is about communicating a clear message that speaks to the congregation, brings about fundamental change, and brings people to Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches, empowers, and transforms: first the ministers through faith and preparation, and then the congregation through their preaching. After all, one can only give what one already possesses and has experienced.

Photo: Anthichada – stock.adobe.com

About the author

Markus Cromhout (born 1972) is a theologian at the New Apostolic Church Southern Africa. He is active in his congregation as an Evangelist. He studied at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria and obtained his doctorate in New Testament Studies. In addition to scientific publications, he also writes popular science. He conducts seminars on the subject of “Homiletics” and provides weekly background videos.