The Bible doesn’t directly address the style of preaching in terms of volume or intensity, such as what might be characterized by “screaming preachers.” However, it does provide guidance on the heart and content of preaching, emphasizing truth, love, understanding, and the edification of the congregation. The focus is on conveying God’s Word effectively and in a way that listeners can receive and apply it to their lives. While the tone and delivery might vary according to cultural contexts or personal styles, the essence of biblical preaching is clear communication, sincerity, and a desire to honor God and genuinely care for the spiritual well-being of the audience.
Curious about the biblical perspective on preaching styles? Dive deeper into what Scripture emphasizes for those who teach and share God’s Word.
What Does the Bible Say About Screaming Preachers?
When it comes to delivering God’s Word, the Bible emphasizes the message’s content and the preacher’s heart over the style of delivery. Scripture highlights several key principles for preaching, such as speaking the truth in love, being understandable to the audience, and aiming for the spiritual growth of listeners.
The apostle Paul talks about speaking with clarity and purpose, ensuring that the message of Christ is presented in a way that can be understood and acted upon by those who hear it. He also stresses the importance of preaching with sincerity and integrity, not resorting to manipulation or theatrics for the sake of drawing attention.
In the New Testament, we see examples of Jesus teaching with authority yet often in a manner that drew people in rather than pushing them away. His approach varied depending on the context and the audience, sometimes speaking in parables, at other times asking questions, and at times speaking more directly.
Furthermore, the Bible speaks to the power of the Holy Spirit in preaching. The emphasis is on God’s power working through the message, rather than the power coming from the preacher’s delivery style. The Spirit’s role in enlightening, convicting, and encouraging hearts underscores that the effectiveness of preaching is not merely in human effort but in divine influence.
While passionate preaching, including raising one’s voice, is not condemned and can be effective in certain contexts, the biblical focus remains on the message’s faithfulness to Scripture, the preacher’s love for God and people, and the transformation it brings in the lives of listeners.
Bible Verses About Preaching
- 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” The focus here is on the content of preaching and the attitudes of patience and instruction.
- Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” This verse emphasizes the importance of love in communicating truth.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” Paul highlights the Holy Spirit’s role over eloquent speech.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 – “So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.” Clarity and understandability are stressed here for effective communication.
- Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” This advice for general speech also applies well to preaching, focusing on grace and relevance.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” The integrity and motive behind preaching are highlighted.
- Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” The character of the preacher and the quality of teaching are central.
- Acts 20:27 – “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Paul’s commitment to proclaiming all of God’s counsel, not just the appealing parts, models comprehensive biblical preaching.
- Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Great Commission emphasizes teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands as central to the preaching task.
- James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” While not specifically about preaching, this verse’s principle of being “slow to speak” underscores the importance of thoughtful, intentional communication.
The Bible teaches that the heart of preaching lies in faithfulness to God’s Word, love for the listeners, clarity of message, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power. While passionate delivery, including a raised voice, can be part of effective preaching, it’s the substance of the message and the preacher’s motive that hold the utmost importance. The ultimate goal is to glorify God and edify the church, leading to transformed lives that reflect the truth and grace of the gospel.