What Is Preaching – Part 1 ________________________________________

The General Message of the Lecture

Preaching is not a display of information or self-expression, but a spiritual service aimed at leading listeners into the knowledge of God, guiding them toward repentance, spiritual growth, and salvation, in humility and love.

Lecture Summary

1. The Essence of True Preaching
   His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that preaching loses its spirit and value when it is linked to the preacher’s ego or desire to appear knowledgeable, since the true goal is the salvation of souls, not self-glorification.
2. The Purpose of Spiritual Preaching
   True preaching leads people either to repentance or to the knowledge of God and His commandments, and thus to a growing spiritual life. Any preaching that does not achieve this has no real fruit.
3. Choosing the Sermon Topic
   He favors thematic preaching based on a specific idea, supported by related biblical verses, focusing deeply on one small point rather than dispersing the listeners’ attention.
4. The Importance of Novelty and Organization
   A sermon should be organized, clear, and focused, offering something spiritually new that touches people’s lives, since repetition without spiritual depth weakens its impact.
5. The Content of Orthodox Preaching
   Orthodox preaching is rich, including Scripture, interpretation, doctrine, Church history, the lives of saints, and sayings of the Fathers, without artificial complexity.
6. Spiritual and Intellectual Conviction
   Conviction is essential in preaching and is achieved through clear biblical verses and rational explanation that clarifies wisdom and consequences, creating inner acceptance of virtue.
7. Considering the Audience’s Level
   Preaching should suit all members of the congregation, without placing burdens beyond their capacity, presenting the path of perfection with gradual growth and hope rather than condemnation.
   8. The Spirit of Love and Gentleness in Preaching
      His Holiness warns against harsh preaching or closing the doors of the Kingdom before people, affirming that true spiritual preaching leads to life and salvation without cruelty, insult, or despair.

    

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