I have read with intense interest a blog by "Barnabus" Phillip Harrelson. It concerns today's pulpit ministry. In a few words, Bro. Harrelson, who happens to be a close friend of mine, lamented the lack of conviction preaching, especially among Apostolics.
I could not agree more! There definately is a dearth of such preaching today. Coupled with that is a dearth of tears from preachers' eyes, and burdens of heart-felt magnatude. I refuse to go along with the obvious trend toward "feel good," "lift me up," and "speak great swelling words," preaching.
When I came into the truth in 1969, it was the old fashioned, hell fire & brimstone preaching of Evangelist Albert Reid that turned my "knuckles white." After four such powerful messages, I was convicted to the point that I walked the aisle to an altar of repentance. After baptism in Jesus' name, I receive the promise of the Father, the precious baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire.
I well remember the ambience of conviction in that service. In an honest heart, I had to admit those people, the saints of Forest United Pentecostal Church of Forest, MS, pasored by very conservative Richard Forsythe. I was a school teacher. One of my students, Larry Hines (now deceased), invited, yea compelled me to go visit his church.
I also bemoan the lack of personal references and personal testimonies apparently in the mindset of many ministers. The apostles never hesitated to use their own experiences with Jesus in their pulpits. I also would like to see and hear more unrehearsed, non-chiche'-filled, testimonies from regular people (you know-"saints"). Sometimes words spoken impromtu from the heart of a non-professional, ordinary person will carry more weight that many sermons. People in this generation--especially in America-- have learned to tune out pulpit messages. This is most unfortunate, but true.
Our "Witness for Truth Ministries" deals with personal testimonies. What we do is go to churches and help set up a system where every saint can give their testimonies in tract form to people they meet everyday. People will read them. There is a place on the back for the name of the church, the pastor, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc. This is done with the cooperation of the pastor, assisted by a good editor and a computer-literate person. It really is simple once you learn the system.
We have helped a few churches set up the program. We have others who have invited us to come and present the plan. We make no charge for this. We do it for the glory of God. And that leads me to my final point. (Whew!)
My opinion as to why our pulpits have become diluted by feel-good, social gospel, fluffy sermonizing is this:
(1) Preachers have "painted themselves into a corner" by depending upon "good tithe payers" for their livelihood. I know the plan of God is for those who preach the gospel to live of the gospel. But I believe there is a fear of offending good tithe payers. (2) We are caught up in "name brand" preachers and self-promotion, rather than depending upon the direction of the Holy Ghost. (3) The demands on our time rob us of our most valuable asset, namely time spent alone with our dearest friend, Jesus, in prayer.
Bro. Fauss, as I was privileged to attend his church a number of times, and knew him personally, came directly from the prayer room to the pulpit. He would have such a burden, tears would be streaming down his cheeks when he took the floor. He is one of my favorite preachers as well as one of my daughter's, who also happens to be a minister.
Once again, Bro. Harrelson, thanks for another wonderful blog. Looking forward to seeing you tonight at conference. I am your friend from the north.
