Preaching in a Congregational Context

Abstract

This essay argues that good preaching is contextual, bound to and arising from the ongoing life of a particular congregation. The nature of congregational preaching is examined, and tasks by which preaching is contextualized are considered. Contextual preaching utilizes the language of a congregation's local culture. It applies the truth of Scripture to the particular issues resident in a congregation's life. It combines gentleness and nurture. All of this is enabled by the preacher sharing deeply the life of the congregation, its joys and its sorrows, enabling these realities and the Scriptural witness to be mutually interpreting.