The Greatest Single Need of the Church Today is __________

Over fifty years ago Merrill F. Unger made a plea for expository preaching: The greatest single need of the contemporary church is undoubtedly the strengthening of the local pulpit.  This fact is not difficult to realize in the light of distressing present-day conditions in this phase of the Christian ministry and in view of the key place pastoral preaching holds in the carrying out of the divine program.  The progress of God's work depends primarily on the local church, and the local pastor has the most strategic position for weal or woe in this important activity.  In no way can the individual pulpit be strengthened for its momentous task than by a diligent return to the Bible injunction: 'Preach the Word.' The benefits of such a ministry are incalculable."

L. Scott Kellum goes on to say, "The good news is that many people seem to have convinced conservative evangelicals of the primary place of such preaching in the pulpits.  Unfortunately, few do it well."  To which Dr. Thomas Schreiner adds, "It seems that almost everyone trumpets the importance of expository preaching, and yet genuine and powerful expository preaching seems to be in short supply."  "

I concur with both Unger and Schreiner, in this regard, Kellum  adds.  Sequential (verse-by-verse) expository preaching is best for the steady diet of the believer.  Tragically, "those who preach the Word with skill and power are few and far between."