Dr. Bryant S. Cheek, Sr., President
A Call to Recapture an Aged Paradigm in the Twenty-First Century Christian Church in the Course of
Preaching & Leadership
Romans 10:8-10; 14-17; 1 Corinthians 1:21b
2012 Emphasis -The Pulpit & Pew Connection
Have you ever thought about or even question yourself “Why” some churches move forward, grow, prosper, thrive, flourish or do well and others do not? Let me sagaciously, cleverly and wisely say and suggest to the church “ekklesia” called out Body of Believers that there is a disinterest, disconnection and detachment between the pulpit and the pew. The problems and challenges are not a result of only the pulpit, or only the pew. It is a collective combination of both. The pulpit has to communicate, converse, connect and hook up with the people in the pew; and the people within the pew have to connect, unite, communicate and be in touch with the pastor/preacher in the pulpit.
Dr. John C. Maxwell in his book entitled Everyone Communicates Few Connect said, “I am convinced more than ever that good communication and leadership are all about connecting.” “If you can connect with others at every level; one on one (Members), in groups (Ministries), and with an audience (Pew) your relationships are stronger (Congregation), your sense of community improves (Neighborhood), your ability to create teamwork (Leadership) increases, your influence increases and your productivity skyrockets (Healthy Church Growth).”[1] “Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.”[2]
Romans 10:8 says But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:17 reads “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:14 reads “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” David Butrick says that the preacher stands “in-between” God and God’s people. The preacher talks of God to the people. A connection between the Pulpit and the Pew is vitally important and essential to a healthy church.