Common Types of Preaching Styles

There are various preaching styles that can be employed by preachers to effectively communicate their message. Here are some common types of preaching styles:

Expository Preaching: This style focuses on explaining and expounding a specific passage or text of Scripture, verse by verse. The preacher seeks to draw out the meaning, context, and application of the passage, providing a detailed analysis of the biblical text.

Nehemiah 8:8 — "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." (KJV)

Luke 4:16-19 — Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah and explains its fulfillment in Himself: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

Topical Preaching: In this style, the preacher selects a specific topic or theme and addresses it by bringing together relevant passages from different parts of the Bible. The sermon is organized around the chosen topic, and biblical principles and teachings are presented to support the message.

Matthew 5:1-12 — Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth..."

Acts 17:22-31 — Paul's sermon on Mars Hill in Athens: "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

Narrative Preaching: This style emphasizes storytelling and uses biblical narratives to convey the message. The preacher explores and brings to life the characters, events, and lessons found in biblical stories.

Luke 15:3-32 — The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Acts 8:26-40 — Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch: "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."

Devotional or Inspirational Preaching: This style seeks to inspire and encourage listeners through personal anecdotes, testimonies, and emotional appeals, fostering a spiritual and emotional connection with the audience.

Psalm 42:1-2 — "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God."

1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11 — "Wherefore comfort one another with these words... Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Apologetic Preaching: Apologetic preaching presents reasoned arguments and evidence to defend and explain the Christian faith.

Acts 17:2-3 — "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead."

1 Peter 3:15 — "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Prophetic Preaching: This style emphasizes speaking truth to power and addressing social and moral issues from a biblical perspective.

Matthew 23:23 — "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

Micah 6:8 — "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Evangelistic Preaching: Evangelistic preaching focuses on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and inviting people to respond in faith.

Acts 2:38 — "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Acts 26:18 — "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

These styles are not mutually exclusive; many preachers incorporate elements from different styles in their sermons.