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

ing, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.’ 37 van Motorin, “Sluzheniie Propovednika” [“Preacher’s ministry”], in Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 1), 1954), pp 43-44. 38 Ibid., p 46. 100 inevitably produce an edifying message, that speaks to the hearts of the listeners, prompting their prayers.” Based on this recommendation for preachers to use the BV as a source for their preaching, the subsequent issues of the journal regularly feature such sections as “V Pomoshch Propovednikam” [To Assist Preachers] and “Misli dlia Propovednikov” [Thoughts for Preachers]. These sections contained Karev’s notes for sermons, offering the preachers around the Soviet Union ready-made materials for their use in churches.” Zhidkov’s article “Poriadok Propovedi Na Nashikh Sluzheniiakh” creates a framework for preaching in Baptist churches. All the recommendations are explicitly based on the document adopted by the council of AUCECB. The reason for such instruction is stated in a following way, ‘We have to give guidance to our brothers, involved in the ministry of the word, so that the churches would receive sufficient amount of spiritual food.’ References to 1 Tim 4:11 and 1 Tim 6:2-5 are used to provide biblical backing to the above mentioned guidlines. It needs to be pointed out that some of the suggested recommendations have to be seen in light of the growing pressure from the Soviet authorities in their push to impose greater control over the practices of the Church. Zhidkov states the following recommendations: - It is clearly defined who is allowed to preach: apart from the pastor and the deacons, some brothers and sisters whose gifts are recognized by the church. These people have to be members in their churches as it is inadvisable to allow visitors to have access to the pulpit. - Criticism of other religious movements or Christian denominations is prohibited. - The New Testament is suggested as a primary source for preaching, whilst preaching on the book of Revelation and the Old Testament is discouraged (unless 39 Vv. S. Schavelin, “Chto Dolzhen Znat Propovednik” [“What a Preacher Must Know”], in Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 3-4 (1955). “° Alexander V. Karev, “V Pomoshch Propovednikam” [“To Assist Preachers”], in Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 2 (1954), pp 65-79. Also Karev, “Misli dlia Propovednikov” [“Thoughts for Preachers” ], in Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 5 and 6, 1954, pp 122-136; Vol. 5, 1955, pp 68-78; Vol. 1, 1956, pp 60-69; Vol. 3-4, 1956, pp 110-127; Vol. 5, 1956, pp 69-77; Vol.2, 1957, pp 68-79; Vol. 1, 1958, pp 65-79; Vol. 3, 1958, pp 53-70. 101 the preacher uses passages ‘which are clear and do not require especial preparation for their interpretation’). - The use of stories and personal examples in preaching is commended, yet with a word of caution — stories have to be ‘appropriate, conforming to the serious spiritual content of a sermon.’ - Every preacher has to prepare for a pr