Ruminating . . .

      Pastor Andy Stanley suggests that "our approach to communicating should be shaped by our goal in communicating."1 He then goes on to share his goal in preaching: "to teach people how to live a life that reflects the values, principles, and truths of the Bible. In short, my goal is change. I want them to do something different instead of just think about it."2 It is hard to argue with that goal. 

     Stanley's approach to preaching includes more of a focus on application than information, on inspiration than on explanation. He chooses texts of Scripture which he believes are applicable to life today. He also commits to answering the questions: So what? and Now what?3

     Andy Stanley is clearly a successful communicator and has done great things for the kingdom of God. His approach to preaching has been used to bless many people. I enjoy listening to his sermons and have personally learned much through him. And it is great that he has such a strong passion to see people live according to the Word of God. I guess I find myself asking a couple of questions though. 

     First of all, is change (on its own) a sufficient goal? What about mind renewal? What about an understanding of Scriptural truths? What about helping people think clearly and correctly? I imagine that one could simply say that all of these things are a necessary part of godly change. A person must know what a biblical command is if they are to begin living it out. We need to understand the Gospel if we are to put our faith in Christ. But would it be more helpful to have change and correct thinking as goals of preaching? 

     Secondly, is it correct that much talk about change leads to change? For all people? Do some people get turned off by spending large amounts of time speaking about application? Furthermore, can information lead to a renewed lifestyle as well? Won't being taught that eating six Big Macs a day significantly increases my chance of a heart attack help at least some people change their eating habits? 

     I guess I find myself siding with Stanley in a significant way. I like to drive at a main to do in a sermon. And he does this very well. I also want to make sure that I'm adding to my hearer's understanding (not that Stanley does not do this - it is just not his main goal). With this in mind, I would prefer to have at least two main goals in sermon preparation and delivery: change and understanding. 

1. Andy Stanley, Communicating for a Change. (U. S. A.: Multnomah Books, 2006), p. 93.

2. Andy Stanley, Communicating for a Change. (U. S. A.: Multnomah Books, 2006), p. 95.

3.  See Andy Stanley, Communicating for a Change. (U. S. A.: Multnomah Books, 2006), pp. 95-98.