May I share some random thoughts about pulpiteering? Do we really speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent?
Perhaps on days beginning with T: today/tomorrow. But I find ourselves using terms like “pulpit” and “pew” and “preaching” as if all three were biblical terms.
Perhaps one is–preaching. But what is it really? Is preaching the gospel delivering a homily on pain or stewardship to a house full of Christians? Or is it the proclamation of the powerful Good News of Jesus and how salvation is granted? If I were taking a test, I would choose the latter.
It was said of one parson that he entered the pulpit twice on Sunday’s to bark at his flock as a watchdog barked at an intruder. One preacher I knew, who had a kindly bearing most other times, would when behind his wooden box scream and yell at the top of his lungs with blood veins bulging in his neck. One little boy said to his mother, “I hope we can start singing again so that man will stop yelling at us.” Some ministers must assume like the old General did when stationed in a foreign country that anybody surely could understand English if he just raised his voice a notch.
Many a time I have been presumptuous when pontificating from the raised pit. Behind the wooden podium I felt nobody could throw rotten tomatoes at me. So I shouted and accused and even ranted on a few occasions. Jere Allan told me of two deacons who sauntered into the church house one day with these words on the lips of one: “We might as well go inside now and take our licking.” That such feelings occur saddens me. That I was part of such do-ings saddens me even more. Men who assume things not so because they are driven to deliver homilies for a living do not usurp God without impunity. Carl Barth said, “What are you doing, young man, with the word of God upon your lips?”
I cherish the opportunity to teach and help to grow disciples of Christ. This responsibility is not taken lightly. Forgive me when I choose the wrong topic at the wrong time.