I never want to be unfair and castigate an entire generation or demographic of people as one way for better or ill. That said, we have to be honest about a lot of preaching by so called “greats” that amounted to not much more than elaborate story telling. I don’t call real preaching story time. If that is the case we should anoint a crazy uncle or camp councilor to bishoprick and call it a day. There are certain preachers of a bygone era that used the gospel as a way to amass popularity. They would jump on stage tell jokes, wax furiously about some political chagrin, and end on a prayer. Oh and do not put it past preachers both then and now to tell out right whoppers. Listen, this comes dangerously close to being what the bible calls a talebearer.

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

Now I do confess, the meaning of a talebear is more than just being gregarious. It’s okay to be a ham and tell fun stories as everyone is want to do. I’m not talking about that kind of a thing. However there is a kind of malicious nosiness that can be the source of stories. There are preachers that will disclose private conversations, report on events having nothing to do with them, just to weave some kind of moral lesson. We are warned neither to be busybodies or false witnesses. Be very careful what kind of spirit you bring to your preaching. Do not mix lies and vain glory with the incorruptible word of God.

1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

There is a kind of preacher that wants to be a star, and that is very dangerous. These types will subvert the truth to be held in high esteem. They have men’s opinion at the front of their minds and the integrity of God’s words at the back. It is fine for a preacher to expound on a biblical doctrine by an OBVIOUS parable. They typically begin by telling you a nameless man or woman did this or said that, and the listener understands immediately that he is being instructed in a creative way. Yet there is a type of preacher that will tell you an event happened to him which did not. He will add names, locations, and they are all lies. Preaching is not suppose to be Show Time at the Apollo.

Old time preachers live to “deliver” and I don’t mean souls. They want to kill to put it in the parlance of a stand up comedian. A preacher should never be concerned about crushing. It’s not about reaction, it is about the truth. A certain type of old time preacher love nothing but to expound on HIMSELF, and then pepper in an occasional amen. Solid preaching should start with scripture, then have a couple departures to interject personal experience, but then dive right back into scripture. The text should is the star, not the speaker. The speaker should be a facilitator.

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to FABLES and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

2 Timothy 4:4

shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto FABLES.

2 Peter 1:16

For we have not followed cunningly devised FABLES, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.