In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the true nature of preaching. He explains that preaching is not a display of information nor an attempt to show knowledge or culture, but a spiritual work whose goal is to bring listeners into the divine realm of spiritual knowledge for the salvation of their souls.

📌 The essence of spiritual preaching

• Preaching loses its value if it becomes connected to the preacher’s ego or desire to appear knowledgeable.

• The essential goal is leading people to repentance or spiritual growth.

• Spiritual effect is more important than eloquence or linguistic accuracy.

📖 How to preach correctly

• One may preach through topics rather than isolated verses, gathering all relevant verses to present a complete message.

• Focus on a single small point and shed deep light on it instead of taking a broad topic without depth.

• Doctrinal points may be included gently and naturally without burdening the people.

🎚 Qualities of the true preacher

• A preacher who is organized, clear, and understandable to all.

• Does not impose degrees of perfection beyond people’s capacity, but guides them gradually.

• Does not close the doors of the kingdom before anyone nor gives harsh or generalized judgments.

• Uses persuasion:

  • Persuasion through clear verses.

  • Intellectual persuasion explaining wisdom and spiritual purpose.

❤️ Spirit of humility and mercy

• Spiritual preaching avoids harshness or insult and does not attack sinners.

• The Pope explains that some preachers use severe language that tires and alienates people, which is against the spirit of the Gospel.

• The listener must feel that the preacher leads him to salvation, not to despair.

🕯 Spiritual conclusion

True preaching is a ministry of love leading souls to God, opening the path of repentance, and building them gradually in spiritual knowledge. Its goal is not showing off nor eloquence, but the salvation and growth of the human soul. This is the Orthodox view of preaching as a gentle service for the Kingdom.

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