Towards Understanding of the Practice of Proclamation: The Core Element of Russian Baptist Worship, Timofey Cheprasov, 2015

urch 3? Chapter 9 will address questions of contemporary preaching education in several theological educational institutions in Russia. 128 members. These are the poor preparation of the preachers, both spiritual and biblical, the lack of gifted preachers, and the inability of pastors to say “no” to willing brothers, who clearly have no calling to this ministry. All of this is possible due to the need to have large number of preachers because of the number of worship services in churches (3-4 per week) and sermons in a service (2-4). The lack of qualified preachers results in sermons having no practical application to the lives of the listeners, being superficial, lacking “spiritual depth,” and, which is equally important, having no passion (when it comes to delivery). Often, preachers use extensive notes and even full manuscripts, thus turning sermons into lectures. Nonetheless, the author points out that although the above mentioned weaknesses reduce the effect a sermon can produce, people believe that even “weak” sermons bring God’s blessings, since God’s power is revealed in weakness. Moreover, out of three or four sermons in a service, there is at least one, which is of good quality. Hymns and prayers continue to minister to people in addition to preaching. Finally, many people learnt not to expect too much of sermons — they listen to quality preaching on radio or television, but come to a public worship to meet their sisters and brothers, to be present in God’s House and to listen to His words (in every sermon there is a lot of biblical material, which inspires people).*® At this stage, a brief conclusion might be necessary. Preaching is considered to be the main element of Baptist worship, the part which transmits God’s words to the listeners. The “ministry of the Word” in the eyes of many listeners is first of all “the ministry of the Spirit,” which has the power to transform people’s lives and hearts. Preachers, therefore, are viewed as “anointed ministers,” called by God to the building up of His church. As such, their ministry should never be critically examined or criticised. This strong conviction, of ordinary Christians not challenging those “anointed by God,” is first of all cultivated by some pastors and preachers. A long standing emphasis on a person’s spirituality as the key to biblical interpretation has further advanced the formation of preachers (the interpreters of the Word) as a separate caste, special people, Christian elite, superior to others in their closeness to God. 38 Leonid Mikhovich, “Compatibility of Theology and Practice of Traditional Public Worship in Baptist Churches in Belarus”, forthcoming doctoral dissertation for the award of PhD degree (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam). 129 A second important contributing factor in pastors/preachers receiving special treatment is inherently present in the Russian Orthodox culture, where preaching is seen ’39 The