The October 11, 1999 issue of Newsweek discussed the political clout of celebrities and how they use it (“Stagecraft and Statecraft,” Newsweek). It contains a statement about what defines candidates and what draws the public’s attention to them. Though discussing politics, its ring is far too familiar as it reminds us of some attitudes toward gospel preaching:

“Experience has become almost a negative – as if it connotes stale thinking. In politics or business, the pitch trumps the résumé almost every time.”

The Scriptures do not present preaching the gospel as a performance. We certainly read of eloquent speakers in the Bible, but that is a far cry from performing on stage (Acts 18:24). Gospel preaching is the communication of God’s powerful word of salvation to a world lost in sin (Mk. 16:15; Rom. 1:15-16). Unfortunately, the appeal of approval can seduce preachers away from godly motives to self-centered satisfaction (Acts 8:9-11). Preachers are not immune to prideful desires (1 Jno. 2:16). The temptation to flatter people for personal profit, coupled with a talent for oratory, can be a powerful and spiritually deadly combination (1 Thess. 2:4-6). Thus, the apostle Paul repeatedly emphasized it is the message and not the messenger as the focal point of God-approved gospel preaching (1 Cor. 1:18-24; 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:1-5; Gal. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:2-5).

The purpose of gospel preaching is not to entertain an audience. It is not to please men (Gal. 1:10). It is not to scratch itching ears (2 Tim. 4:3-4). It is not to promote personal agendas (Phil. 1:16). It is to proclaim a saving message to a dying world (Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20; Col. 1:28-29).

A gospel preacher is not a celebrity, and the pulpit is not his stage. He is not and should not try to be a showman. It is his job to display Jesus Christ to the world, not himself (Gal. 3:1). When the focus of preaching is upon the preacher, his stories, humor, and personal experiences, gospel preaching suffers – and so do souls.

The work of gospel preaching is to “preach the word,” to “convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). Inspired Scripture must be our message (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This work is accomplished by the sincere and clear proclamation of divine truth, not by comic relief or personal promotion (Phil. 1:15-18).

The Newsweek article summarized,

“Celebrities, with the help of the media, tend to trivialize politics by turning it into entertainment. Their presence further subordinates substance to performance, and encourages the media to review how something ‘plays’ rather than to analyze what’s being said.”

That still sounds familiar over 20 years later. People see the point when it comes to politics; Political performance often eclipses substance. Can we see the point when it comes to gospel preaching? When preaching becomes entertainment, it trivializes the gospel and erodes an audience’s investigation of the biblical accuracy of the message (Acts 17:11-12). Calculating how a subject will “play” before deciding to preach is not gospel preaching (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4).

Fellow preachers, we must put Christ on display when we preach, not ourselves (1 Cor. 2:2-5; Gal. 3:1). Fellow Christians, accept no less than faithful gospel preaching that proclaims “the whole counsel of God” urgently, both “in season and out of season” (Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2. Do not turn your ears away from the truth (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

Gospel preaching leads to salvation (1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16). Celebrity performances do not.

-The Spirit’s Sword, October 10, 1999  edited (JRP)