Preaching That Resonates: Tracing The Mystery Of The Word And The Spirit

Abstract

This paper discusses the elements of mystery in preaching that resonate, answering how the preaching event reflects the aspects of uncontrollability and transcendence. The research approach is to engage the theology of the Word and pneumatology through the angle of the Scripture. God’s Word, used to create the universe and sustain all things, is inherently powerful enough to resonate and transform. Also, when the Holy Spirit is at work in a preaching process, a connection is established between the Spirit that searches the deep things of God, the preacher that explains spiritual reality with Spirit-taught words and the listeners that discern both. When this connection occurs, there is resonance. Since resonance does not foreclose the human elements, it is recommended that preachers practice the use of verbs, engagement of artful phrases and oral elements. Listeners should also be encouraged to open up to experience resonance.