Preaching – A religious discourse or oration by a preacher usually a member of clergy. Sermons address a scriptural, theological, or moral topic (Wikipedia)
Teaching – can be defined as engagement with learners to enable their understanding and application of knowledge, concepts and processes. It includes design, content selection, delivery, assessment, and reflection. (Wikipedia)
I thank God for the preaching and teaching gifts and of all our Gateway Pastors.
What a wonderful way to serve God. For we are entrusted with awesome responsibility. While in worship service today I was thinking about some differences between preaching and teaching. I have enclosed some definitions of these 2 communicative tools. Preaching is inspiring, moving, motivation and teaching has these same traits. However, preaching is more on dimensional in presentation from the preacher to the hearer. But then the gift of the Holy Spirit moving in the midst of proclamation adds a second dimension for our learning.
There is no opportunity to ask questions during the sermon to expand ones understanding. With teaching there is an opportunity to expand upon the richness of the experience of the preacher, as well as the hearer. There is a tremendous learning curve in asking questions and in a setting were more of a one on one presents itself. My point is if you really want someone to really get IT maybe we may to build upon the sermon in a teaching moment (in Bible study or some created moment to help the hearer grasp your point). If there is someone who is a mover/shaker in the life and ministry of the church you may need to take the greater step and teach.
Proverbs 1:5 “a wise man will hear and will increase learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsel.”