I fear that a similar thing is occurring today among true evangelical believers. As with other seasons of church history when preaching was slowly stripped of its precision, clarity, and doctrinal depth, many contemporary congregations have slowly been robbed of the same.
The problem is: they don’t know it. The erosion has been too subtle. The banks of the river have been slowly compromised at the foundation while happy campers frolic at the raging water’s edge. And it’s only a matter of time before the soil gives way. People today gladly sit through sermons that, were it not for some reference to a passage or verse, are little more than motivational speeches drawn primarily from life-experience and a mix of truth and earthly opinions.Evangelicalism’s Got Talent
Discussion
NewThere's a lot that could be said here!
There is a tremendous shallowness among a lot of believers I meet, and a desire for “success” more than growth. Many would like nothing better than a John Maxwell-style “motivational speaker” rather than a shepherd. In fact, they will fill a building, as the writer has indicated. I disagree with the characterization that anyone up to a certain level of “gifting” shouldn’t seek the ministry. First of all, a lot of a person’s gifting isn’t really known until they step into the position of dispensing God’s word on a regular basis. So you don’t really know what you have until they get going. Also, there are going to be churches of various sizes. The author seems to want on the “small is bad” bandwagon. Just because a church is small does not mean it is ineffective or should not exist.
Having video of a “super-preacher” is not what is needed today. Some of them are good expositors, some not. What people really need is a shepherd who can show the care Christ shows for His own!