Why Sunday Sermons Are Necessary But Not Sufficient

In our Church, we are now starting another year of Sunday School, Bible Studies and other ministries. I wish I could communicate the importance of these groups.  I along with the other Elders studied an important book a few years ago that reminded us of this. In the Eighth chapter of this book (The chapter title is Why Sunday Sermons Are Necessary But Not Sufficient), the authors write:

"Perhaps the best way to sharpen what we are arguing for in this chapter is to say that Sunday sermons are necessary but not sufficient. This may sound like heresy to some of our readers, and in one sense we hope it does sound a bit shocking. Are we de-valuing preaching? Surely godly, faithful expository sermons accompanied by prayer are all that is really required for the building of Christ’s church?" [1]

As someone who is committed to the sermon and who has invested his life to the preaching of the Word, I agree.  This doesn't mean that we stop the pulpit ministry, but oh there is so much more.  The kind of ministry that occurs in small groups is invaluable.  I recently read this very truthful and helpful comment by Dr. John Piper [2]. Here are seven reasons why he believes the small group bible study is a better vehicle for growth than the Sunday morning sermon:

1.      The impulse to avoid painful growth by disappearing safely into the crowd in corporate worship is very strong.

2.      The tendency toward passivity in listening to a sermon is part of our human weakness.

3.      Listeners in a big group can more easily evade redemptive crises. If tears well up in your eyes in a small group, wise friends will gently find out why. But in a large gathering, you can just walk away from it.

4.      Listeners in a large group tend to neglect efforts of personal application. The sermon may touch a nerve of conviction, but without someone to press in, it can easily be avoided.

5.      Opportunity for questions leading to growth is missing. Sermons are not dialogue. Nor should they be. But asking questions is a key to understanding and growth. Small groups are great occasions for this.

6.      Accountability for follow-through on good resolves is missing. But if someone knows what you intended to do, the resolve is stronger.

7.      Prayer support for a specific need or conviction or resolve goes wanting. O how many blessings we do not have because we are not surrounded by a band of friends who pray for us.

 Again, I haven't lost faith in God's appointed means.  Preaching is still primary.  But the role of preaching is different than what occurs in small groups.  Both are necessary.  One by itself is insufficient.   I hope particularly that Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders and participants in these small groups will be encouraged and motivated.  “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

 

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1.  Colin Marshall; Tony Payne (2010-12-31T13:00:00+00:00). The Trellis and the Vine kindle (Kindle Locations 1244-1246). Matthias Media. Kindle Edition.  
2. http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-love-of-human-praise-as-the-root-of-unbelief