A prevalent preaching philosophy is that the  Sunday message must appeal or relate to everyone in the congregation.  So, we go through a laundry list of applications to include everyone or applications are watered down.

What about preaching scripture that hits one group directly and deeply?  If we do that, what will happen to all the folks that fall outside of that direct application?  We are scared that they will be bored and disengage.

For example, if we preach a specific message to men, what will the woman do?  If we preach on marriage, what will the singles think?  If we preach on money, what will the unemployed think?

Here are my 3 reasons that it is ok to Preach Specifically.

• Every sermon should reveal God – If our sermons do not reveal the image and at least one attribute of God, then we have failed.  No matter what the application, our congregants should be shown what God looks like and how he acts and reacts to humanity.  That in and of itself should be a meaty morsel for anyone.
• He/She might be in this situation in the future –  one the best messages a single person can hear is one on how God created marriage and what He expects.  We need to GO into situations prepared.  Instead of preachers bailing people out with sermon messages, we should be preparing and preventing sin and difficulty.  When we preach specifically about life situations in the future, we are setting people up for success. (Remind them to thank you later)
• He/She needs to know to relate to and minister to others –  Women need to know what God thinks and expects of Men.  Men need to hear about God’s role in women’s lives.  I may not be going through divorce, but my neighbor might.  I need to know how to listen, minister, counsel people in other life situations.  This shows people the responsibility we have in the lives of others.

We are cultivating selfish/self-centered congregations when we try to cater to every current situation going on their life.  We are telling them that the church service is all about them personally.

Broad strokes painted in sermons are often bland strokes.  Scripture is so rich and deep in flavor and power.  Let’s not be afraid to go strong.  I believe it will lead to quicker life change.

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Robin