hot topics
I prefer to study an entire book of the Bible instead of topics.
However, judging from most church web sites, I’m in the minority. Most churches do series after series—sometimes on practical issues (finances, marriage), sometimes more theological ones (the names of God, Jesus’ parables).
I agree it can be important to study topics occasionally, especially if they address real issues going on in the life of the church or the larger culture. (A study of the biblical qualifications and expectations for elders enriched my own church’s elder-selection process last summer.)
But I wish topical studies were the exception rather than the norm. I much prefer working through a book, Old or New Testament, chunk by chunk. I want to learn about the author and historical context, the meanings of words in Hebrew or Greek, the way the original audience would have interpreted the text. I want to get a sense of the Biblical story, not its application—in verse-size bites—to the much less interesting narratives offered by our culture. 
I wonder why most preachers (at least in our churches) don’t do this. Is it easier to preach topically? Do we think audiences (um, I mean, church goers) aren’t biblically literate and mature enough to benefit from it? If the latter, how are they going to grow to maturity through a steady diet of Bible sound bites?
Pastors, what influences your preaching calendar? Educate my ignorance about your strategy.
And pew people, am I alone in this? Which type of message do you prefer?
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Jennifer Taylor
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I agree with you, Jennifer. But it doesn’t surprise me at all in this soundbite generation that preachers feel the need to give ‘em what they want. Most of us have a “how does this apply to me?” mentality. When I am in a learning setting (Bible class, usually) where there is intense study in context, I am often awed at how little I know about Biblical history in context! Makes you think . . .
You’re not alone, Jen. I’m there with you. I don’t mind topical sermons, but I only really like them when they draw mostly on Scripture and explain it deeply and well.
Back when I was preaching every week, I did a mix of topical and textual series. Now that I do mostly one-offs, I tend to do mostly topical for (I think) obvious reasons. Even now, though, when I can I try to have a core passage that I preach from instead of constantly jumping here and there.
It did depend at times on what was happening in the life of the congregation, as well as what was happening in my own spiritual walk at the time. But, to be totally honest, in my experience it *is* easier to preach topically than textually. Topical preaching allows us to avoid dealing with difficult passages of Scripture, and simplifies presenting historical background and context–often neglecting it entirely.
Topical preaching also makes it much easier to decide what we want to say and then find a verse to support it rather than exegeting the text itself to see what *it* says and exegeting the culture to see how what it says has application today (not different meaning, just application translated from the original historical context to ours). That should always be avoided, but sadly it’s not.
Textual preaching requires a lot more time, effort, study, and prayer. It also requires much more creativity in finding ways to present the material in a compelling, interesting (to the average church-goer) and in presenting application from texts that at first blush may not seem to have any application while still remaining true to the message of the text.
Textual series preaching is not easy, but “Nothing that’s really worthwhile should be easy. If it’s easy, we don’t value it.”
I think it’s valid to have preferences in this area, as long as we realize that they are just that – preferences. Our church does both kids of series throughout a year – and both have their benefits.
A couple thoughts just for consideration:
Jesus’ teaching was pretty topical/life application – using OT Scriptures and making the connection to a question or a situation.
Also, some from other church backgrounds could argue for using the church year/lectionary as a basis for the sermons – which also has it’s benefits/limitations.
I guess I tend to like those “real-life” application sermons because I had plenty of theology and Bible classes in my undergrad at Trevecca. I tend to forget that the congregation probably doesn’t see things through the same lens.
I think it’s all about balance–just like everything else in life. Yes, I need meat in my sermons, and I love the history of the texts…but I also sometimes need something to hit me right where I am.
You know who does an excellent job of balancing the challenging text and topic issue? Our youth minister. I’m constantly amazed at what he has to say. You should come downstairs sometime
A great post, Jen. And thanks to Randy for his additional insight – interesting that it’s easier to find verses to support an application, that find applications for a verse.
As someone who has worked on teams to come up with these themes, I can add that there really aren’t that many ways to apply a topic to your life: work, time, family, finances. (um… that’s 4, see?)
It also gave me pause to see so many different churches coming up with the same knock-off titles (Heroes, Lost, American Idols), and rehashing the same themes with “sexed-up” titles… it’s as if we really have no originality at ALL.
Which reminds me of the line from What a Girl Wants: Why do we keep trying to fit in when we were created to stand out?
Expository preaching (whether going through a book or even a chapter at a time) is the best in my opinion. It feeds everyone much like they must have been fed when these letters were read to the New Testament churches. It also forces preachers to preach the “whole counsel of God.” Topical sermons are whatever the preacher wants to preach and I weary of a “new series” on marriage, money, or what have you.
You’re not alone! I think that preaching through books of the Bible is the best way to assure that your message can speak to anyone in the audience. If I sit through a sermon how to raise kids and I’m a single woman what am I really going to learn from that? Maybe I can apply it sometime in the future but it’s not helping me grow in the Lord right now…and let’s face it, I’m not going to remember it that far down the line.
Preaching through books of the Bible generally means you’ll come across various topics and different points and keep everyone engaged throughout. Plus, you can always get the appropriate context!
Is it fair to make a distinction between a Bible study and a sermon?
At least 3 times I’ve considered weighing in, but I’m holding off. A second blog post I think.
Keep the great thoughts coming.
Matt, help me understand your question.
Granted there is overlap/common ground, might the former seek the meaning of Scripture and the later seek Scriptural meaning for life? (e.g., teaching vs. exhorting)
What a great topic! Some reasons I say “Amen” to Jen’s perspective:
1. Many of our people just don’t have a comprehensive knowledge of Scripture – I wasn’t raised in the Restoration movement, so I’m not sure if this is a new thing.
2. Our people are responsible to “search the Scriptures” to see if the preacher’s on track – this process is easier if we stick to a single book at a time.
3. How do we know if a topical treatment is accurate unless we know it’s backed up by a thorough survey of the Bible?
Having said all of that, I do like a well crafted topical study, and have been blessed by many. I just hate to see people denied the chance to hear a good “book study”. It’s similar to the way I feel about Praise music – I like the new if it’s well done – and a LOT of it is, but I hate to see folks miss out on some of the good older hymns – there’s room for both!
our church, fellowship bible church in Brentwood, TN, does book-by-book expository teaching and we love it. I think it probably depends on your pastors as well, as I would probably enjoy our pastors teaching either way. They’re super smart. But I think I get more out of expository teaching because it doesn’t allow for glazing over anything.
Check out the website of Sojourn Community Church here in Louisville. They have been preaching through the entire OT over the past year. I have some friends who go there and co-workers (most in their 20-early 40′s) who have visited and have yet to met anyone who didn’t absolutely love the sermons and the fact that they are working through books of the Biblein . I’ve visited quite a few times,and there’s much there I love. If you haven’t visited (it’s not a restoration movment church, but there are some folks w/background in the movement there) , you should check it out.
Excellent point. I think it’s easier to teach from the text, but that might be because of how I was raised. It’s an excellent question though. I often think pastors are skirting around certain issues by teaching topically all the time. Even if they’re not, it looks this way to me.
I found your blog through the question you left at FlowerDust. Thanks for that too.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Welcome, Marshall! BTW I just checked out your blog and LOVED your Christmas FB idea. I think I might do that for my birthday this year–thank the people in my life instead of “celebrating” myself. People you can check it out here: http://bondchristian.com/12-lessions-i-learned-from-my-crazy-christmas-facebook-idea/
You make an interesting point. From my point of view.. there is a significant percentage of the population who are not “studiers” and literally have no exposure to Biblical text– trying to distill Exegesis in 52 week after week sermons can be really challenging– having terse principles that can be applied to life is more appropo for the general public. But for the 25-35% of the population who are wired to investigate, evaluate and analyze a deeper treatment is just what they are looking for– somehow–finding the perfect sermon to fit all types ccan be a pretty difficult challenge.
So nice to chat this way…you have good thoughts.
I think too many feel Bible exegesis is verse by verse. I have always believed that we need to look at Bible exposition in larger chunks rather than mining for minute parts of a verse. I feel that working through books of the Bible makes a person deal with all the issues rather than the hot topic of the month. I also believe Sunday School classes should be Bible study focused and let the topical studies be for other times. This is one reason I never minded teaching out of the International Lesson material.
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