Kurt and I were recently talking about topical and exegetical preaching. I saw this video and showed it him to, and that framed our conversation (RSS readers you can watch it here):
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5YzI7b92L8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&w=600&h=485&fmt=18]
- Topical preaching:
- Looks at what the whole of the Bible has to say on a specific subject.
- Speaks directly to subjects relating to today’s world.
- Exegetical preaching:
- Looks at the Bible as it was written, piece by piece.
- Focuses on specific books of the Bible, with a few supporting verses from outside the main text.
- What does this specific text have to say about God and us?
(This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive description list of topical and exegetical preaching.)
Couple thoughts:
- I tend to prefer exegetical preaching, though there are few things more inspiring than a great topical preacher.
- There are a lot of pastors who kind of mix topical and exegetical preaching I can’t name very many who are good at it.
- If you are looking for immense Biblical support for one or the other, be prepared to look for a while.
Which one do you think is the most Biblical?
