A lot could be said about the impact in ministry regarding the shift from essentially a theological paradigm to a psychological paradigm. To my mind, we are both helped and hindered and no doubt, bewildered by it all. Take for instance, the therapeutic model of preaching. It advances the idea that the preacher’s role is to accompany the listener as a guide on their journey, bringing them to the place of wanting to follow Christ. Again, one might anticipate this reaction in response to some of the so-called “prophetic” models of preaching in which listeners would be subject to extended tirades, being battered into submission to Christ You hadn’t been to church if you didn’t leave feeling guilty. As Haddon Robinson once said, “Much of what passes for prophetic preaching is nothing but thinly veiled anger.” The therapeutic model comes on the heels of postmodernity which rejects the “authority figure”. Instead, the preacher comes not as a expert but as an experienced fellow-traveller. Okay, I value that thought.

In preaching circles, we discuss the difference between “internal” and “external” motivation. External motivation is when the listener is challenged to respond in a behavioural manner because the preacher or “the Bible says so”. Granted, it’s not the most effective. In shifting to internal motivation, the preacher jettisons the use of such parental words as should, ought, need, and must. Instead, the preacher approaches a biblical principle by asking, “What will make the listener what to follow this principle?” Another angle is to show the listeners the benefits of obedience to God. Again, I see value to this but I also share some concerns. The therapeutic approach is not always evident in the language of the Bible. Jesus and his Apostles didn’t shrink from commanding us to action. When Job demands some answers from God, the Lord doesn’t respond by saying, “Let me explain why it is a good thing to trust me.” God basically replies, “Who are you to question me?” Sometimes, the Scriptures don’t give us compelling reasons to obey other than “this is what glorifies God”. When did “honouring God” become a poor excuse to act? Read Romans 1:21. Also, we run the danger of pandering to self-interest. The message, “Follow Jesus and you’ll be better off”, may be true in some sense but what do we say when obedience comes at a sacrificial cost? Would this approach preach well to the persecuted church?

Examining issues like “external vs. internal” motivation can be constructive but remember, there will occasions for a prophetic stance or a direct challenge, but forgive me, perhaps I’m being too authoritarian now.