Recommended Reading: The Silence of the Pulpit
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).
Many of us were greatly surprised in 2001 when we heard that fellow preacher and lectureship speaker, Noah Hackworth had suffered a massive stroke. With great encouragement and help from his wife Glenda, he has recovered somewhat and has been able to continue writing. In 2011, he published the book, The Silence of the Pulpit, which is recommended first to preachers because it reminds us of our priorities. It would next be recommended to elders, deacons, and members because of its emphasis on what preaching should be accomplishing. The back cover provides insight as to the purpose of the book as it quotes Ezra 7:10: He set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach it.”
The price of $10 may seem high for a book of only 132 pages, but unlike the books that cost twice the price and are printed on cheap paper that looks as though it may disintegrate before the reader finishes with it, this book is printed on glossy paper, which bespeaks quality.
Brother Hackworth says that the purpose of the book is to address the “the waning power and influence of the pulpit among the Churches of Christ” (11). In the 50s and 60s we were known for our gospel preaching, and we had a marvelous rate of growth during these decades. However, in the 70s and following it seems that the conviction that preachers and members once held had diminished. Two quotes by brother Guy N. Woods (from Questions and Answers, Volume 1) are quoted early on which are worth repeating:
The proclamation of the gospel in the early days of Christianity exerted a greater influence than the combined armies of mankind (14).
The two most powerful influences in the world during the first century were the preacher and his message (1 Cor. 1:18-21) (15).
Quotes such as these are but a sampling of the insights found in this book, which contains a few other quotes from brother Woods. Brother Hackworth believes that “the pulpit has fallen on hard times” and that many of today’s sermons have little depth (17). This reviewer (GWS) remembers a comment from the Open Forum at Freed-Hardeman which brother Woods’ made in connection with this subject. His assessment of the Herald of Truth program (more than three decades ago) was that he had once wholeheartedly supported it, but that for many years his enthusiasm has been zip. Once a powerful tool for the gospel of Christ, that program had changed greatly in its approach, and the last one he had seen was trying to help the elderly decide when they could no longer drive a car. What a shift (no pun intended) in emphasis!
Three decades have come and gone since that time, and still many are voicing social concerns over the saving gospel of Jesus Christ—hence, the need for this book. Preachers have a divine mission, and if they do not do their job, elders should ask them either to change or leave. One preacher told one of his elders that they should not worry about spiritual delinquents: “Let them alone, they’ll attend when they are ready” (23). Don’t we all know how well that philosophy works? An object at rest will remain at rest is true spiritually as well as physically.
A quote from a gospel publication defines the condition that some of us have noted for quite awhile: “Sometimes it is not what a man preaches from the pulpit that destroys the faith of others, but what he refuses to preach” (24). One may visit certain congregations of the Lord’s people and never hear error taught, but unfortunately the truth is not presented, either. When was the last time some congregations heard a message about “the one church,” why instrumental music is wrong, what the Bible teaches about social drinking, or other fundamental moral and doctrinal issues?
The Bible contains a great deal of material with practical daily-living insights that a preacher could expound upon for years without making relevant applications. As Harrell Davidson said in the 1998 Bellview lectures, “When they preach without the saving message, they have become no more than talkers” (27). The gospel (the doctrine of Christ), is not complete without covering “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Brother Hackworth cites brother Woods again in explaining how it is that many of today’s preachers have “reversed the order of the apostles” (30).
A large portion of the book devotes itself to the examination of several relevant passages of Scripture (56-93). In the Matthew 28:18-20 section is further evidence to prove that all men are amenable to the gospel (56). Other passages discussed are Acts 2:38, 1 Timothy 4:6, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:2 (more information is given on pages 101-103), which includes an interesting allusion to “living on sawdust” (77), 2 Peter 1:19-21, and 2 John 9, which provides not only an accurate explanation of the verse but also defines what a “progressive” is according to the Scriptures (90-92).
Some closing topics include: “Contend for the Faith,” “The Perpetuity of the Church,” “Removing the Landmarks,” and “Sin is Still the Problem.” Although most of the quotes are from brethren, some are also included from denominational men, who also emphasized the importance of the Word and lamented a departure from it. (Of course, the separation from the truth begins when people accept denominationalism, which is not authorized in the Scriptures.) Referenced are B. B. Warfield, Lenski, Spurgeon, and Menninger.
After reading the chapter on the sermon in Pagan Christianity, which was reviewed on March 10th, 2013, reading this book was refreshing because of its Biblical content on the subject. All should find it inspirational and challenging. It may be ordered from Pamela Oxendine, 1724 Lake Street, San Mateo, CA 94403