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

understanding the context in which a particular text was written, and reading parallel passages, since ‘the best interpreter of the Bible is the Bible itself.’”° According to Fadyukhin the purpose of every sermon should be ‘repentance, revival, and strengthening of faith.’ ‘The cross of Golgotha must be clearly seen as the centre “© A. |. Mitskevich “Vseobshcheie Sviashchenstvo i Sluzhiteli Tserkvi” [“Priesthood of All Believers and Church Ministers” ], Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 3 (1965), pp 30-31. “© Sergei P. Fadyukhin was a pastor of Leningrad Baptist church in 1966-1980. “’ Bratskii Vestnik, Vol. 5, 1969 features an article by N.N., “Rabota nad Propovediami” [“Work on Sermons”]. However, this publication can be seen as a summary of Fadyukhin’s article, so | would not comment on it further. ” [“ “8s. P. Fadyukhin, “Sovety Propovednikam Vol. 5 (1965), pp 33-34. Recommendations to Preachers” ], in Bratskii Vestnik, * Ibid., p 35. 104 of every sermon, because it is Christ, crucified for our sins, who is a Magnet drawing the hearts of those who see themselves as sinners.’°” The second part of the article features the term “homiletics” for the first time in the publications of the BV. The author sets himself to address the task of homiletics, which he defines as developing and honing natural gifts of preachers such as the gift of public speaking and clear logical thinking. The preachers are advised on the choice of preaching texts and recommended to use one of three forms of preaching. These forms are a homily (verse by verse explanation of the biblical text); the second form is also a verse by verse explanation, but with greater emphasis on one main idea. The third type of a sermon is preaching on a particular theme, which is deemed to be the preferred choice, yet also the most difficult one, since it requires preacher’s extensive knowledge of the subject and ability to present his thoughts in a clear logical sequence.” The final part deals with various questions related to a sermon preparation, such as the choice of preaching theme, understanding the audience, developing sermon notes, the length of a sermon, and the preacher’s behaviour in the pulpit. However, despite some very helpful and practical comments (e.g. the preachers are encouraged to welcome criticism, as it helps them to grow in their ministry), the main idea re- emphasizes the prevalent spiritualised view of preaching. Fadyukhin writes on the choice of preaching text, Each biblical text has rich content, for it is God’s Word. However, if when you consider it, you see that although this passage is beautiful this beauty seems vague, leave the passage — this is not the text that God wants you to take for your sermon. The text gifted to you from God will be clear for your understanding and deep in its content.” He also offers a number of recommendations that an experienced preacher could give to someone star