Preach the Word - Chapter 35

In Conclusion

This article is part of a series of articles on how to preach written by Jess Hall, Jr. and originally published in The Firm Foundation.

“In conclusion” is often a sermon’s most welcome phrase. It is now time to use it in this series on preaching. Preparing the articles has been a challenge, an opportunity, and a privilege all rolled into one. As one who has moved from full-time preaching to the pew, I am more sensitive to the hearers’ position and needs as they are called upon to participate in worship by actively engaging with the gospel as it flows from the mind and mouth of another. They need help. Hearers are not insensitive. As a general rule they are generous in overlooking the faults and forgiving the mistakes of those who must week after week and service after service generate material that will make people want to be more like Jesus. Patience is their greatest virtue.

But they have a right to expect the preacher’s best. If they ever come to believe that the preacher is not doing his best, the preacher should move, seek a new beginning, and resolve to do better. These articles have been written to cut down on the moving by enabling the preacher to more effectively communicate the greatest story ever told.

After all, the preacher is a part of the sermon. As Philip Brooks said, “Preaching is the communication of the gospel by man to man.” Man cannot change the gospel. He dare not preach any other. What man can do is be certain that he does nothing that detracts from the story of the cross. These articles have been written with the assumption that this is the desire of every man who is engaged in the foolishness of preaching. Through their publication I have learned that, for the most part, this assumption is valid. But there are a few who believe that they do not need improvement, who will not heed any suggestions for their improvement, and who resent any suggestion that improvement is needed. Such preachers do themselves, their hearers, and their Lord a disservice. They would do the kingdom better service by finding (or returning to) a secular job. But as long as the preacher is trying to improve, there is hope. It is only when he quits trying and caring that he is not deserving of his hearers’ patience and understanding.

In recent years preacher schools have proliferated. Preacher schools, for the most part, assume that students are educated, emphasize the study of scripture, and spend little time in teaching effective communication. It does no good to give a man a rifle and ammunition if he doesn’t know how to load and fire.

In Luke 16 Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus. In His teaching he described a “great gulf fixed.” What was sad about that description was that life had ended, opportunity had passed, eternity had been entered, and no man could cross the gulf from torment to Abraham’s bosom. There is another “great gulf” that often exists, but it is not “fixed.” It is the gap between the pulpit and the pew. It can be and needs to be bridged. It is my prayer that these articles have provided blueprint, tools, and materials to build that bridge. The preacher cannot build it alone. He needs the help and encouragement of his hearers.

Some who have read these articles have inquired if they are available other than in the Firm Foundation. To date they have not been. It was my intention to publish them in book form. I even had a working title – Crossing the Great Gulf: Bridging the Gap Between the Pulpit and the Pew. By this time the title should be changed to Procrastination. There are at least two good reasons for publishing the articles on www.thywordistruth.com. First, it cost both you and me less. Publication is an expensive process that does not make money unless a book sells several thousand volumes. It is doubtful that another book on preaching will achieve that circulation. Second, and more important, on the world wide webb the articles will have immediate world wide circulation. My prayer is that they will be used to help preachers reach the lost with the gospel.

I am grateful to Buster Dobbs, editor of the Firm Foundation, for his willingness to publish the articles and his encouragement in their writing. When my interest waned or my schedule demanded all my time and then some, Buster was always there reminding and encouraging. Undoubtedly, Buster Dobbs could more pleasantly live out his days by cutting his travel schedule, letting others do the demanding work of writing and the more demanding work of editing the writing of others, but he remains dedicated to the declaration and defense of God’s power to save. Buster is a rare man – he stands for the truth against assaults from the right or the left. He respects no person above the Person of Jesus Christ. The Firm Foundation is now in position to do its greatest work ever. It is true to the word without being rabid. It deserves the support of the brotherhood.