RIP: The Neutralizing of Preaching Personalities

[Carpenter]

Ugh, I hope this doesn't turn into another TV discussion, I kind of like the initial premise of the thread.

I believe what has been said here is accurate, however one thing plaguing the current generation of ministers are two daunting obstacles.

One is the natural progression of emulation. I have seen more preachers trying to emulate the ministers of the past, trying to ride the coat-tails of those who have paved the way, and paid their dues.

Secondly, and I believe this is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling a true anointing, is the two-fold desire to develop new-fangled programs in which the preacher can take the credit for design. There have been minister after minister come through bringing their 12 Tribe concept of church growth, prayer seminars to enhance church growth and revival, the 12 step program for a closer walk with God, labeling revivals as "crusades" attaching their names to it, plays, poetry, costumes, army men a broken down volkswagon and the apocalypse, the grim reaper, lights camera ACTION! ...yada yada yada.

While the intentions may be fantastic, there is an element of self promotion involved that if it takes root, it means more dates for preaching, possibly a book, a CD, and money money money, name building, name building, LEGACY!

I am not saying this is the case across the board, throughout the org there are great men of God out there who understand the popular culture, the religious culture and climate of the church and they have realized there is a need for change in their approach and attitude. These are the men I wouldn't hesitate for one minute considering to be my pastor.

I would say the last time someone had me shaking in my boots was O.R. Fauss at Colorado Youth Camp in 1985.

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

Many godly people don't want to go where some of the younger one want to take them. I want to go to heaven, and you can only get there on the STRAIGHT AND NARROW.

Originally Posted by Malvaro

although I may disagree with some of the young folks of my generation and the direction they have chosen, it is unfair to bunch all the younger people together as not willing to take the way of ole' fashioned principles....

there are still some that are walking that path....

In all fairness, WholeHearted, you did say 'some' of the younger ones. However, I have to agree with Malvaro on this one... we DO have some young men with convictions and it's not fair to lump them all together as having no convictions.

[Whole Hearted]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I don't think any man ought to have to compromise core values to be open to allowing men to be individuals.

There is a lot of room on the straight and narrow for ministries to develop that are voices and not just echoes.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I agree, but I think the attitude of the "younger crowd's gonna lead us to Hell" is self-defeating.

I don't care for a broad brush indictment of young preachers either.

After all, I am in my mid thirties, still somewhere between grass and hay.

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I don't care for a broad brush indictment of young preachers either.

After all, I am in my mid thirties, still somewhere between grass and hay.

So what of the gray hair my friend? You are younger than me by a year or two and I only have one or two gray ones popping out of my nose.

[Whole Hearted]

Originally Posted by Steadfast

In all fairness, WholeHearted, you did say 'some' of the younger ones. However, I have to agree with Malvaro on this one... we DO have some young men with convictions and it's not fair to lump them all together as having no convictions.

I agree, I didn't say all, I said some. I have three young men under 30 who are fine preachers and preach it straight.

But we all know that there are many who would lead us down a road of carnality and worldiness, with the idea that this will reach the world.

The answer is not to become like the but to win them that they may become like the Lord.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I agree, I didn't say all. I have three young men under 30 who are fine preachers and preach it straight.

But we all know that there are many who would lead us down a road of carnality and worldiness, with the idea that this will reach the world.

The answer is not to become like the but to win them that they may become like the Lord.

Sheesh WH, that carnality exists in every generation.

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I agree, I didn't say all. I have three young men under 30 who are fine preachers and preach it straight.

But we all know that there are many who would lead us down a road of carnality and worldiness, with the idea that this will reach the world.

The answer is not to become like the but to win them that they may become like the Lord.

Maybe it is because I am getting older, but I find it difficult for a fuzzy faced preacher telling me how to overcome the hardships of life. I kind of feel like I am listening to a woman preaching when a young, single, whipper snapper gets up there and begins telling me, and I have lived for God longer than they have been on the earth, that I need to shape up and get right!

[Nahum]

There IS a surprising lack of young voices throughout our movement.

I can't name very many, maybe two, who are household names.

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I agree, but I think the attitude of the "younger crowd's gonna lead us to Hell" is self-defeating.

To this we agree wholeheartedly... (pardon the pun).