Phillip Jensen on telling the truth

Today's article may seem to be directed at Pastor's (given that Pastor's day is Tuesday you may think that we are cheating) but I believe it says much about how we listen to the Bible message and encourages us to uphold the truth-teller rather than the flatterer. This is an extract from an article by Phillip Jensen called 'The Importance of Preaching the Negative as Well as the Positive.'

Advantages of Affirmative Preaching
Even though we face these pressures, there are advantages to affirmative preaching. The affirmative preacher rightly reflects the generous graciousness of our God and Savior and of the Gospel we preach. There is something ill-fitting to the Gospel of Grace to see a mean-spirited negative preacher denouncing everything and everybody.

Evangelistically, the affirmative preacher being more inclusive in his language, content and manner will be appreciated by a larger and wider audience. His width of appeal makes it easier for the congregation to invite all sorts and conditions of men to hear the message. When people come they are less likely to be offended by trivial, minor and irrelevant issues as the preacher will be more attuned to confirm them in their present position.

Pastorally, the more affirmative preacher will establish and develop relationships within the congregation that will enable him to minister privately to people. The non-confrontational, non-judgemental attitudes from the pulpit increase people's openness to talk about problems, issues and sinfulness, knowing that the preacher is sympathetic and supportive.

Disadvantages of Affirmative Preaching
Over time, however, people come to understand that the preacher who is always positive cannot be trusted with the truth. He may make you feel good, but he is not addressing the real issues of life. The public relations kind of saccharine preacher is first loved, believed and trusted, then questioned, doubted and finally despised.

Read the complete article at http://theresurgence.com/phillip_jensen_2000_the_importance_of_preaching_the_negative_as_well_as_the_positive