Towards a Christ-centered preaching process model : a case study

Abstract

Christ-centered preaching becoming a lost art in the 21st century poses an urgent need for equipping preachers for preaching more Christ-centered sermons. The damage caused by Christless preaching is the weakening of the authority of the Bible as a revelation of Jesus Christ. Moreover, Christless sermons have led to spiritual emptiness among church congregations. The purpose of this study was to create a Christ-centered preaching process model for preachers by establishing the definition of Christ-centered preaching, by uncovering the reasons why Christ-centered preaching is seldom heard in the pulpit, and by equipping preachers for presenting Christ-centered sermons every time they preach. To accomplish this purpose, a qualitative case study was conducted among selected preachers in an international church in the Philippines. Data were collected primarily through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and documents. Triangulation of data that included a literature review was carried out. The findings of the study revealed that Christ-centered preaching is a biblical proclamation of Christ from Genesis to Revelation by one whose life has been transformed by Jesus Christ. The reasons why Christ-centered preaching is seldom heard in the pulpit were identified to be inadequacy, background orientation, wrong focus, and personal barriers. The ways by which preachers may be empowered to preach Christ-centered sermons were grouped into 2 categories: internal and external empowerment. Internal empowerment included personal preparation, focus on Jesus, and connection with people. External empowerment includes education and equipping. This study proposed a process model to empower preachers to preach Christ-centered sermons. The results of this study showed the need for emphasizing and strengthening the Christ-centered preaching ministry of preachers. This case study concluded with recommendations to the church, academic institutions, and preachers. The study also included suggestions for further research.