Resolutions of a Preacher

From the LOCH A TUATH NEWS January 2001

John Kennedy was arguably the most influential Highland preacher of the nineteenth century. Ordained in the year following the Disruption, he remained in one charge, in Dingwall, until his death in 1884. A man of principle and of spirit, he is perhaps more remembered now for what he was against than what he was for. His animadversions against the proposed union with the United Presbyterian Church, against 'uninspired hymns', against negative biblical criticism, against the disestablishment of the church, and against certain methods of evangelism earned him a reputation as a hard-liner.

Not that there is anything wrong with being a hard-liner if the line in question is drawn by Scripture; and in these instances, Kennedy clearly felt that they were. But he was a man of catholic spirit -- it was the Baptist C.H. Spurgeon that he invited to open his church in Dingwall in 1870 -- and of generous spirit -- Kennedy was extremely large-hearted in meeting the needs of others.

One of Kennedy's most interesting works was "The Days of the Fathers in Ross-shire", an account of the influence of the Gospel in his own native parish. Hardly a piece of strict academic research, Kennedy'' work is a warm and sometimes sentimental look at a bygone age.

He has an interesting reference at one point in his writing to the ministers of Ross-shire, whom he recalls as being noted for godliness and for deep experience of spiritual matters. He then goes on to describe certain kinds of ministers. Some, he says, preach before the people, like actors on the stage. Others preach over the people, with elaborate treatises that are way above the heads of their flocks. Others preach past their people, obssessed with abstract theories that have nothing to do with common life. Others preach at their people, and make the local gossip the substance of the sermon. Others preach towards the people, aiming well, but falling short because of their own superficial experience and knowledge. Others preach along the people, aiming for individuals but never doing much collective good.

Ah, says Kennedy, but the ministers of Ross-shire preached to their people "directly and seasonably the mind of God in His Word, with authority, unction, wisdom, fervour and love." And Kennedy continues: "Such as these ... were the eminent preachers of Ross-shire!"

Not even sentiment can convince me that all the preachers of Ross-shire were as Kennedy describes, but his point is valid nonetheless. If preaching is not to people, it is of little value. Those of us who believe that God has placed a premium on preaching and on preachers have a lot of work to do if we are to avoid the pitfalls Kennedy ennumerates. Preaching can do things other media cannot, but not if it is before, over, past, towards or along the people: only if it is to them.

My New Year resolution this year is the same as the last twelve: to be a better communicator of the Word of God to the needs of people. I trust and pray that the coming year will see God glorified in the continued preaching of the Gospel from the pulpit at Back, and the cause of Christ built up among us.