Preacher on the edge: exposure to vulnerability as a new opportunity in preaching the righteousness of the kingdom of God to vulnerable listeners

Abstract

In this article we explore the impact that diminishing modes of authority and the accompanying loss of power currently taking place in Western societies may have on the mind of the preacher (especially as it manifests in the South African context). In this problem field the preacher can possibly try to sidestep the painful reality of his exposed vulnerability by creating new ways of preserving the previous, privileged position of authoritarianism. This leads to the question whether there can be a proper authority which flows from the nature of the preaching task and is to be contrasted with mere authoritarianism? In attempting to give first steps in a responsible homiletic theory for this problem field, we reason that this diminishing modes of authority and the vulnerability it causes, may pose a unique opportunity for the preacher to place himself unconditionally under the authority of Christ and to be free to minister the righteousness of the kingdom of God as a vulnerable preacher among (not above) vulnerable listeners.