In 1857, the novelist Anthony Trollope wrote, “There is, perhaps, no greater hardship at present inflicted on mankind in civilized and free countries, than the necessity of listening to sermons.” He goes on to describe the “preaching clergyman” as “the bore of the age.”

Preaching has always had its haters. We see this in the Scriptures and throughout the history of the church. So, is there a future for preaching? 

In this recording of Dr. Tony Merida’s main session teaching at the Acts 29 Advance Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, he says there is a future for preaching because the theological convictions which undergird preaching are timeless. He identifies five convictions that drive one’s commitment to preach God’s Word and proposes a model for preachers to follow. 

Click on the video below to watch this conference session as Tony encourages pastors to “Preach Christ from all the Scriptures, with contextual sensitivity, out of the overflow of your heart, to the hearts of people.”

Tony Merida
Written by: Tony Merida on March 21, 2023

Tony Merida is the pastor for preaching and vision of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, vice president of planter development for the Send Network, dean of Grimké Seminary, and a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of a number of books, including Love Your ChurchThe Christ-Centered ExpositorOrdinary, and Orphanology. He and his wife, Kimberly, have five adopted children.

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