Recently I spoke on Wednesday night in a church. It was the last night of a mission emphasis series. Wednesday night often provides an opportunity for a little more feedback or “give and take” during the presentation, and on this night the presentation and discussion was lively. During the presentation, I noticed a man whom I had not met and did not know sitting in the audience. He was obviously involved in what was happening–listening, answering my questions, sharing a hearty “Amen” from time to time.
Afterward, I learned that he was a member at another congregation in the area and that he had come as a visitor for the last night of the mission emphasis. All of that is normal enough and there would be no point in telling this story were it not for his comment during our post-class meeting: “I haven’t heard that much ‘meat’ in a class or sermon in a long time!”
What an indictment of those of us who teach and preach! Where’s the meat? Too many churches are trying to find spiritual life while dining on “spiritual junk food.” I did not think the mission class on the Wednesday night described was all that special, but in retrospect I believe we had made an honest effort to struggle with the biblical text and provide strength and support for the Christian life.
Many preachers have long ago cast off the “milk” (Hebrews 5, 1 Peter 2). But instead of weaning the congregation from milk to meat, they have substituted junk food. I hear more and more sermons that tell me about the written word (Bible) instead of telling me about the living word (Christ). The purpose of the Bible is to tell us of Jesus so that we might come to know him. I read sermon outlines with points that help me know about the Bible, but have no obvious application to the life I will live in the coming week.
Preachers and teachers, here’s a good question to ask as you prepare your sermons and classes: Where’s the meat?