The changing denominations: A change of preaching

The grand, overriding desire in community churches in reference to the message communicated is based more on what people want than what they need. Within most “community churches,” or “mega-churches,” preaching has been abandoned. However, in some churches were there is preaching, the style of it is frequently psychological and motivational rather than biblical.

“Felt needs” defines the modern “community church” marketing plan. The idea is a basic selling principle: you satisfy an existing desire rather than trying to persuade people to buy something they don’t want. Demographic information, community surveys, door-to-door polls, and questionnaires are the new tools.

“Felt needs” include issues like loneliness, fear of failure, “codependency,” poor self-image, eating disorders, depression, anger, resentment, and similar inward-focused inadequacies. These problems, we are told, lie behind all these different types of addictions all the while the real problem, which is sin and human depravity, is carefully skirted. “Pastors” are now counseled to find out what the people’s demands are, then do whatever is necessary to meet them.

Is this pleasing men or God (Galatians 1:10)? Is this preaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? Is this to be considered preaching the word (2 Timothy 4:1-4)? Is this speaking things that are becoming of sound doctrine (Titus 2:1)?

Kyle Campbell