The preaching we hear from the pulpit should not make us feel comfortable. Preaching should disturb us. Our job is not to sit cosily in the pews in a self-satisfied state. The preacher is God’s mouth-piece. Like the prophets before them they are the bearers of heavenly news and often it is upsetting.
Unfortunately, we want cosy words not confrontation. The message should be so direct that it should make us be uncomfortable and a feeling that the sermon was just for us. Nevertheless at times it will be receiving words of comfort from the pulpit.
The responsibility of the preacher is great. They are charged by God to share His message. What could be more important! It has been said ‘Good preaching disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed.’