One of the difficulties that people face today is the loss of trust in preachers. There was a time when preachers were highly-esteemed but today all of that has changed. Many people have put preachers in the same category as politicians or used-car salesmen. No matter what you think of preaching or preachers, the bible holds up preaching as the means to communicate the gospel. The bible makes it clear that preaching is necessary, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Rom 10:14

Preaching has always been seen as foolishness to the world, Cor 1:21 says “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” The Bible goes further to say it is the power of God behind the message of the cross. That’s good news for the preacher– it’s really the power of God behind the message – not the preacher himself. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor 1:18

I don’t find it too sexy to be a preacher–you’ll face constant criticism, and it’s not easy. But most preachers do what they do because they are called by God and they are even “compelled” to do it. Paul said, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Cor 9:16. Did you see that? “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel”

When God calls someone to preach, the burden of keeping up an image or pleasing a cynical world completely fades away. The job isn’t to look impressive or be “sexy” to the culture. The job is simply to be a conduit. And when a preacher simply focuses on promoting Jesus, the pressure is entirely off. The world might still see it as foolishness, but for those who are lost and hurting, it remains the very intersection where healing, hope, and salvation are found.

So yes, the world has lost trust in the pulpit. But we shouldn’t let the flaws of the messenger cause us to forfeit the truth of the message. Preaching isn’t about elevating a man; it’s about elevating Christ. The next time you sit under biblical preaching, look past the person holding the microphone. Listen for the truth that is compelling them to speak in the first place. Because in a world drowning in white noise and slick marketing, we don’t need more entertainment—we desperately need the raw, unfiltered truth of the gospel.