Profetiese bediening: die Woord en sy hoorders

Abstract

Ministers of religion are trained to speak, to proclaim the good news in preaching and in counselling. They must be able to communicate, but communication can only be succcessful when the hearer of the proclaimed Word has internalized that Word. This paper explores the meaningfulness of preaching in the light of research demonstrating that the traditional style of preaching sometimes presented a very poor form of communication. The interaction between prophet and audience in the Old Testament is studied and conclusions are drawn from this for modern preachers. A minister must know the circumstances of his congregation, but must also try to ascertain what the congregation's response to the preaching is. In the light of their response he can react to certain misconceptions regarding the implications of the gospel and proclaim a message that is fitting for the specific circumstances of the congregation.