Preacher and spirituality : a homiletical study in the light of Paul's sermons in Acts 13, 14, 17 and 20

Abstract

1. The aim of this study - The main aim of the suggested research was: * to investigate the Scriptural foundation of the preacher and his spirituality in the light of Paul's sermons in Acts 13, 14, 17 and 20. * to suggest some guidelines for the praxis of the preacher's spirituality in order to re-equip the preacher spiritually for the sake of recovering the renewal and vitality of the church today. 2. Basis-theoretical perspectives on 'preaching' Preaching is more than just recounting the story about the Word of God. In preaching the Word itself comes to the listeners. In essence, preaching is the Word of God coming to man. Preaching, as the Word of God, has the power to convert stubborn and evil sinners in this broken world, and it can also soundly equip believers by strengthening and guiding them towards sanctification. 3. Basis-theoretical perspectives on the 'preacher' The preacher is the one who has been called and sent with a special commission, being a fully authorised representative of the Sender: God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He is also the person who has been given a message of the gospel and been told to proclaim it. He is not expected to be ' original ' in his proclamation- the message he brings is not his own but the Sender' s. 4. Basis-theoretical perspectives on the preacher's spirituality In the light of Paul 's sermons in Acts 13, 14, 17 and 20, the preacher's spirituality can be defined as ' operational faith '. The truth of the gospel and life (conduct) according to the gospel are very closely in harmony. The preacher's spirituality relating to the truth of the gospel contains the following facets: - Spirituality as God's glory-centred proclamation - Spirituality as preaching the Christ-centred gospel - Spirituality as passion toward the gospel - Spirituality as courage to proclaim - Spirituality as loyalty to the Word. The preacher's spirituality relating to life (conduct) according to the gospel contains the following facets: - Spirituality as humility - Spirituality as affection - Spirituality as being compelled by the Spirit - Spirituality as self-sacrifice - Spirituality as obedience - Spirituality as holy indignation - Spirituality as purity 5. Practice-theoretical perspectives on the world and situations in which the preacher exercises spirituality The preacher's spirituality is never separated from the world and situation in which he lives and exercises spirituality. In order to minister the Word of God, the preacher needs to understand both the world, and the Word. Postmodemism, the NAM and Neo-paganism in a postmodern world reflect the tremendous hunger and thirst for a meaningful spirituality. Some dimensions in which the preacher ministers and exercises spirituality (personality, physical dimensions, psychological dimensions, relationships, public roles and ministries) are very closely related to his spirituality. To obtain spiritual maturity for effective ministry, the preacher should maintain an intimate relationship with God. 6. A hermeneutical interaction between the Word and situations in exercising spirituality: some guidelines for the praxis of the preacher's spirituality. By a hermeneutical interaction between basis-theory and practice-theory, the following are suggested: - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate fellowship with God by means of the Word of God. - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate communication with God by means of prayer. - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate fellowship with God by means of worship - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate communion with God by means of the Lord's Supper. - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate relationship with God by means of fasting. - The preacher should devote himself to maintain an intimate fellowship with God by means of the dependence on the Holy Spirit. 7. Final statement It would seem that there is nothing to solve 'the Fossilisation Phenomenon' in mainline churches today except one way- not one who is only equipped by technique and skill but who is filled with the Word and the Spirit. Spirituality that is supplied by these two sources, gives birth to a true preacher, powerful preaching, and renewed church spiritually. 0 Lord! endow the preachers with true spirituality through the Holy Spirit! Amen.