John Piper on preaching, drama, and video
In an intriguing YouTube video, John Piper talks about the use of drama and video to supplement preaching. In his words, doing so demonstrates an unbelief in the power of preaching. As someone passionate about preaching, it got me thinking.
Why do so many churches today use videos and dramas as part of what used to be strictly preaching time? The main reasons I’ve heard are:
- People have shorter attention spans than they used to, and the variety keeps their attention.
- We’re in the media age where people don’t just watch television, they make their own YouTube videos. It’s what people are used to.
- It reaches people whose learning style is more visual rather than the spoken word.
- Newcomers who don’t understand preaching have something familiar to connect with.
It seems to me there is merit in each of these arguments. But Piper would say that there is supernatural power in the exposition of God’s Word through preaching that applies the Bible to their lives, and that power overcomes those arguments. He would say that giving in to those arguments cheapens preaching and turns it into entertainment. Plus, it demonstrates to the people that you don’t have faith in the power of preaching.
It seems to me there is merit in his arguments as well. And I can personally attest to the supernatural power of preaching. More than once after a message someone came up to me and said, “It really grabbed me when you said…” and I know that I never said that. (I even went back and listened to the recording once to be sure!) The Holy Spirit caused that person to hear in my words what He wanted them to hear.
Nevertheless, it seems to me that I would be limiting God if I denied the Holy Spirit’s power to communicate to people through video and drama. But what do you think? Should preachers use every tool available to communicate God’s message, or is the use of some tools an admission that your preaching is insufficient?
