The Depth of American Preaching
 

Having lived in multiple places throughout the United States, and having attended multiple churches and conferences, etc., I have noticed that there are recurring themes, and nothing unique ever seems to be explored.

Here are the recurring themes from any given typical church:

1. The Godhead
2. The Plan of Salvation
3. Tithing
4. Faithfulness in Church Attendance
5. The art of praise and worship
6. Victory (over something or someone)
7. Revival

...just to name a few...

This post is not intended to jab or ridicule these themes. I think they are elementary in a person's walk with God, but there comes a time when preaching needs to go beyond elementary and move on to the meat of God's word.

Do you feel as though the depth of preaching to this degree is recurrent, because God seems to think that many of our churches "just aren't getting it?" Or these are popular and easy topics to preach about, and often times pastors can't seem to cut the umbilical cord form these subjects to explore other topics in scripture?

Could it be both? What is your take?

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

It does seem that many don't stray to far from those topics. So many of our preachers have very little theological education. Just read a few of bernards books, meet the board and they hand you a licence.

and conferences are even worse. The message is almost always something about holding on to our apostolic heritage, protect our truth. Hold to the old paths.

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

You are speaking of Apostolic churches and conferences, correct?

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

Yes.

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

Agreed.

But is this a hinderance? Does it matter? Does God even care what level of knowledge people have of His word?

What issues could arise from having a pastor who isn't formally trained in theology?

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

Shallow Christians is often the result. So many of our pastors that have been trained only in pentecostal idealogy a fearful of theology.

So many sticky wickets when you start a study in Romans or Galatians, so ya just stay in the book of Acts and the "saved only in in Acts" doctrine.

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

oh boy.

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

While one may not have a theological degree,a minister should be well versed in Biblical theology and we should not be afraid of the epistles as they are scriptures too.

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

The Epistles are the basis of our doctrine of living after conversion. Why would any man be scared of the Epistles?

Re: The Depth of American Preaching
 

Yes, Apostolic preaching is very shallow. Has to be. God forbid people ever reach a place where they don't need to be bottle fed by the nicolatians.