Did you know there is a difference?
I’ve wondered for a long time about the difference between preaching and teaching. I’ve had people tell me after hearing me preach that I’d make a good teacher. (I’m not sure that was a compliment) Then I’ve had some people tell me after hearing me teach that the subject matter would make a good sermon. (hmmm, confusing?!)
Preaching and teaching has a lot of similarity. Both appear like a lecture, they may have the same content and distinctiveness is hard to come by. I’ve grown to understand the difference is the head and the heart. Not the speakers head or heart, but the listeners head and heart. Preaching is geared for the heart while teaching is geared for head. Preaching is to energize, encourage and enthuse the listener. Preaching is to motivate (there may not be that much difference from preaching to a motivational speech) our hearts for action and to rally us to duty and to get beyond just knowing the facts.
The teacher delivers to the head. It is intended to make us think, reason and process the facts. Then we may be able to make an informed decision.
Did you hear about the 5th grade boy who announced to his mother that he decided to be a preacher? She was so proud until he told her why. He said, ‘Well, you have to go to church, so you might as well stand up and shout as to sit down and be quiet.” I think this young man understands the difference between the two.
Both teaching and preaching are necessary. They may even be handling the same data, but one shouts “Do something about it!” while the other says, “Think it over.”
Both teaching and preaching are important: in fact a decision made by passion and truth are the best decisions of all. Get you head and your heart involved