Sometimes, however, the 'boring' verdict tells more about the hearer's willingness to listen to God's word than the preacher's ability to teach it. It is important not only for ministers but also for congregation members to understand the aims and goals of preaching and preachers.Calvinists must never be seduced into Arminian style preaching in response to the 'boring' criticism. For the style of preaching expresses the theology that lies behind it and Arminian theology is significantly different to Calvinist theology. The Arminian concentration on human responsibility has an immediacy and relevance to the hearer. It is always interesting to hear a sermon about yourself. There is no topic more interesting to the human heart than 'me'.
However, in an attempt to be relevant, lively, challenging, interesting and exciting, Calvinists must not ignore the profound weaknesses in Arminian preaching. For the difference has deep pastoral consequences – even deeper and more important than boredom.
Arminian in the pulpit?
