Question to Pastors

During the Q & A last night, the conference speakers were asked to answer this question:  What do we need most in our pulpits today?  As an aside, R. C. Sproul was just recently released from the hospital (serious bout with asthmatic bronchitis), so his participation is somewhat limited.

R. C. Sproul, Jr. answered with this:  We need pastors with the courage to speak to the sins of the congregation, then follow up with the gospel.

Robert Godfrey answered next:  We need clear expository preaching, and pastors must commit to the study time to accomplish the clear exposition of God's Word.

Sinclair Ferguson followed with:  We must recapture the wonder of what the Holy Spirit does through the preaching of God's Word.  If Christ is held up, He is sufficient for all the needs of all the people in the church.  Pastors must preach in such a way that it is evident in their preaching that they love their people to death.

Steve Lawson concluded with the lengthiest answer:  I Timothy 4:13 instructs pastors to read the text, exhaustively explain the text, and apply the text, saying only and all the text says with application, conviction, courage, and passion.  Preach the Word to the point it becomes contagious!  Preaching goes beyond teaching.  The preaching of the Word must address the whole person - mind, emotion, and the will.  And there must be a sense of urgency for the hearer to respond.  Too much preaching lacks theological fiber and urgency.  To some it up, Dr. Lawson said preaching must include a high view of God, proclamation of His Word, the magnification of His grace, and a call of the hearers to Christ.