Monday Morning Manna: Old Timey Preaching

It finally happened! I was introduced as an “old timey preacher.” The only time I dislike introductions is when I have to live up to one. So what were they expecting out of me? What is an “old timey preacher”? True, I’m older than most preachers who introduce me these days. Was the introduction because I simply read the scripture and tell the audience what it says (explanation), what it means (application), and what it looks like (illustration)? I do use power point with pictures for clarification purposes, but maybe that’s already an old method. Was the introduction because I still preach 28-30 minute sermons and quit when I’m finished? I realize that the modern method is 45-55 minutes, but if you work at it, you can say just as much in less time. Was it because I believe in leaving the listeners wanting more rather than exhausting the subject, and leaving them tired? Perhaps it was because someone noticed that I didn’t sing some of the worship songs, complete with hand clapping and raising? I’m not opposed to contemporary music, just bad contemporary music. Plus, if I don’t know it, I can’t sing it, no matter how many times you repeat it. Was it because I believe in exegeting the audience as well as exegeting the Scripture? Was it because I believe in talking to God about the people before I talk to the people about God – call it prayer-driven preaching? If any of these are true, I plead guilty to the introduction of “old timey preacher.” Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). That too is “old timey.”

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.