The Faithful Preacher (Foreword by John Piper)

1. Character is the foundation of racial progress and social elevation

What we need most of all is character.

Character trumps all. While wealth and education are important for racial progress, Christian character forms the bedrock of lasting social elevation. Without a strong moral foundation, any gains in material prosperity or intellectual advancement will be unstable. The Negro's ability to withstand opposition and become a permanent factor in American civilization depends more on character development than anything else.

Spiritual emphasis needed. Churches and ministers must prioritize character formation above all else. This involves:

• Teaching and modeling Biblical righteousness
• Cultivating Christian virtues like honesty, purity, and love
• Addressing specific sins prevalent in the community
• Helping people conform to God's moral standards

2. The Afro-American pulpit must prioritize spiritual growth over emotionalism

Shouting is not religion. The ability to make a noise is no test of Christian character.

Substance over style. Many African-American churches emphasize emotional excitement and "shouting" over Biblical instruction and character development. This approach is detrimental because:

• It provides little spiritual nourishment or practical guidance
• It requires minimal study or preparation from ministers
• It lowers the overall spiritual state of the congregation
• It promotes a false conception of true religion

Needed reforms. To elevate the race, the Afro-American pulpit must:

• Focus on careful Biblical exposition and doctrinal teaching
• Address practical issues of Christian living and ethics
• Cultivate genuine spiritual growth, not just emotional highs
• Set a higher standard for ministerial education and preparation

3. Education and moral preparation are essential for effective ministry

Some men have gifts, but no graces. Others have graces, but no gifts. Neither of these are wanted in the Christian ministry.

Balanced preparation. Effective ministers need both intellectual gifts and moral graces. Key areas of preparation include:

• Formal education in Bible, theology, and pastoral ministry
• Cultivation of Christian character and personal holiness
• Development of communication and teaching skills
• Practical experience in ministry and community service

Ongoing growth. Ministers must be lifelong learners, continually growing in:

• Biblical and theological knowledge
• Understanding of their community's needs
• Practical ministry skills
• Personal spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness

4. Christian ministers must embody and live out the principles they preach

People judge the value of our religion not by what we say of it, but by what it is actually making of us—by its effect upon our character and life.

Actions speak louder. The most powerful sermon is a transformed life. Ministers and Christians must:

• Practice what they preach in all areas of life
• Demonstrate the reality of Christ's power to change lives
• Live visibly different from the surrounding culture
• Show genuine love and concern for all people, regardless of race

Integrity matters. Hypocrisy in Christian leaders severely undermines the church's witness. To be effective, ministers must:

• Maintain consistency between public teaching and private conduct
• Be transparent about their own struggles and growth
• Humbly admit failures and seek forgiveness when they fall short
• Continually pursue greater Christ-likeness in character and conduct

5. The church must actively combat race prejudice through teaching and example

Race prejudice is not the monopoly of the infidel, of the atheist, or the man of the world. It is shared equally by so-called professing Christians.

Confront the sin. The church must recognize race prejudice as fundamentally incompatible with Christian teaching. This requires:

• Clear Biblical teaching on the equality of all races in God's eyes
• Denouncing racist attitudes and practices as sinful
• Promoting genuine interracial fellowship and cooperation
• Actively working to dismantle unjust racial systems

Lead by example. Christian churches and individuals should model racial reconciliation by:

• Welcoming people of all races into full church fellowship
• Pursuing intentional relationships across racial lines
• Advocating for racial justice in society at large
• Repenting of past failures to stand against racism

6. Preaching the gospel with Holy Spirit power is the church's primary mission

It is not enough that the gospel is preached; it must be with the unction from above, with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Focus on essentials. The church's primary task is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This involves:

• Clearly explaining humanity's sin problem and need for salvation
• Proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection as the solution
• Calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus
• Relying on the Holy Spirit's power, not human eloquence or methods

Avoid distractions. Churches must resist the temptation to:

• Prioritize social programs over gospel proclamation
• Water down Biblical truth to appeal to modern sensibilities
• Rely on entertainment or emotional manipulation
• Neglect prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit

7. The Christian life demands separation from sin and pursuit of righteousness

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.

Radical transformation. Genuine Christianity involves a complete break with sinful patterns and pursuits. This includes:

• Repentance from all known sin
• Pursuit of personal holiness and Christ-like character
• Separation from worldly values and corrupt cultural practices
• Active engagement in good works and Kingdom priorities

Practical holiness. Christians must apply Biblical principles to every area of life:

• Personal conduct and relationships
• Business and financial dealings
• Political and social engagement
• Use of time, talents, and resources

Last updated: August 4, 2024