What is homiletics?

Homiletics is the art and science of preaching, specifically the composition and delivery of sermons within the context of Christian worship. The word comes from the Greek word homilia meaning “discourse” or “conversation.” As a field of study, homiletics examines the theology, history, theory and practice of preaching. It involves reflecting on Scripture, understanding congregational needs, crafting messages faithful to the Bible, and delivering them effectively. Preachers seek to faithfully proclaim God’s Word and apply it to life today through homiletics.

Biblical Basis for Preaching

The practice of preaching has deep biblical roots. God has chosen to communicate with His people through human speech, especially the declared word of God (Titus 1:3). Throughout Scripture, God equips and calls servants to speak on His behalf. For example, the Old Testament prophets brought inspired messages to God’s people (Jeremiah 1:7). John the Baptist preached repentance in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Mark 1:4; Isaiah 40:3). Jesus Himself preached the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:17). Jesus then commanded His followers to preach the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15).

The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching and preaching the gospel (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Leaders like Peter (Acts 2:14-36), Stephen (Acts 7:2-53), Phillip (Acts 8:4-5), and Paul (Acts 13:16-41) preached the word. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word” faithfully and patiently (2 Timothy 4:2). So biblical preaching has been central to the mission and worship of God’s people across history.

Theology of Preaching

Preaching is more than public speaking; it is a theological act. Several theological convictions undergird its practice:

• The authority of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – Scripture alone is preaching’s source and norm.
• The call of preachers (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:6) – Preachers proclaim the gospel by God’s gifting and call.
• The illumination of the Spirit (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15) – The Holy Spirit empowers preachers and gives hearers understanding.
• Christ-centered focus (Luke 24:27; John 12:21) – Faithful preaching presents Christ and His redeeming work.
• The priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9) – All Christians, not just clergy, participate in declaring God’s praises.

In summary, preaching centers on proclaimed Scripture empowered by the Spirit to glorify Christ through the priesthood of believers. It is a means of grace God uses to nurture faith, convict of sin, bring repentance, grow disciples, and equip the church for ministry (2 Timothy 3:14-4:2).

Biblical Preaching

Biblical preaching faithfully communicates the meaning of a biblical passage in its context. It differs from other types of public speaking through its faithful reliance on Scripture. Biblical preaching avoids moralizing, pop psychology, politics, or pursuing other agendas apart from God’s Word. It also avoids fanciful allegorizing that obscures the plain meaning of the text.

Expository preaching is one method of biblical preaching. It unpacks the meaning of a specific passage by explaining its literary context and then applying those truths to listeners. Topical preaching also draws meaning from biblical passages but organized around theological themes rather than a single text. Both expository and topical preaching can be faithful if handled accurately (2 Timothy 2:15).

History of Preaching

Preaching history traces changing styles, contexts, and developments in homiletics over time. Key preachers and movements include:

• Ante-Nicene preaching – Preaching in the era before the Council of Nicaea (325) laid foundations in Greek rhetoric and apologetics.
• Augustine of Hippo – His preaching skill became influential, emphasizing Scripture’s spiritual meaning.
• Medieval preaching – Monks like Benedict of Nursia preached to other clergy and laypeople, not just local congregations.
• Reformers like Luther and Calvin – They revived biblical exposition and vernacular preaching.
• Puritans like Jonathan Edwards – Rigorous sermon preparation and vivid delivery characterized their preaching.
• Awakenings and revivals – Whitefield, Wesleys, Moody, and Graham inspired widespread spiritual renewal through preaching.

Preaching styles have diversified across regions and cultures over time but remain essential to Christian worship and disciple-making.

Preparing a Sermon

Careful sermon preparation cultivates effective biblical preaching. While each preacher develops their own process, common steps in preparing a sermon include:

1. Selecting a preaching passage – This usually involves prayerful study to choose an appropriate biblical text.
2. Studying the passage – Exegetical study unpacks the text’s background, literary form, flow of thought, and original meaning.
3. Formulating the sermon idea – A unifying theme or idea emerges from study to organize the message.
4. Structuring the sermon – An introduction, body, application, and conclusion logically progress through the sermon idea.
5. Supporting material – Illustrations, explanations, examples, and other content support the main idea.
6. Language – The preacher crafts a manuscript or outline with careful word choice suited for oral communication.

Faithful sermon preparation enriches biblical understanding for both preachers and listeners. It also equips preachers to teach, admonish, and apply the word of Christ (Colossians 3:16).

Preaching Methods and Styles

While biblical truth remains fixed, preaching methods can adapt to best reach listeners. Preachers may handwrite or type full manuscripts. Topical preaching develops points around a central theme while expository preaching unpacks a single passage sequentially. Some preachers meticulously plan each sermon while others shape their message as they preach. Sermon styles also differ across cultures. For example:

• Narrative preaching – Organizes messages as stories, common in Africa.
• Affective preaching – Seeks to stir religious emotions in listeners, common in Latin America.
• Rhetorical styles – Use creative metaphors, cadence, and other devices to engage listeners.
• Multimedia – Incorporates images, film, arts, and online technology.

While adjusting methods to fit contexts, preachers maintain fidelity to Scripture as the power and authority over preaching. Stylistic decisions aim to remove barriers to focus attention on God’s word (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Preaching and Listening

Preaching involves both preparing and presenting a message. But faithful preaching happens in community, with prayerful listening and responding. Paul illustrates this partnership between preachers and hearers in Romans 10:14-15:

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?

Preachers have responsibility to preach faithfully. But listeners also shoulder responsibility to hear actively and respond appropriately. Hearers are to receive the word with humility (James 1:21), test teachings (Acts 17:11), meditate on its meaning (Psalm 1:2), hide it in their heart (Psalm 119:11), and put it into practice (Luke 11:28; James 1:22). Preachers preach; all believers have the privilege of hearing and applying God’s word.

Learning Homiletics

Many pursue formal homiletics training to grow as biblical preachers and teachers. Homiletics courses at seminaries, Bible colleges, and Christian universities teach theology and practice of preaching. Students study exegesis, sermon structure and delivery, and evaluating sermons.

Courses equip future pastors and ministers to handle Scripture accurately (2 Timothy 2:15), assess listener needs, develop creative illustrations, and deliver messages effectively. Skilled preachers continue growing through mentoring relationships, practicing spiritual disciplines, studying great sermons, and ongoing biblical education.

Whether through formal homiletics training or personal study, all Christians can grow in understanding and applying God’s Word. Our words have power to build up or tear down (Ephesians 4:29). Homiletics fosters faithfully handling Scripture and speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) for greater glory of Christ.