Preaching is an activity usually found in church services, and is often performed by ordained ministers of religion or authorised laypeople.

The importance of preaching differs from church to church. Many Roman Catholic and Anglican (Anglo Catholic) churches view the celebration of the Eucharist as central to the service, with preaching viewed as an important adjunct. Many Charismatic and Pentecostal churches view corporate singing as central, while many Evangelical and Reformed churches have preaching at the centre of the worship service.

Not all preaching is the same. There are a number of different types of preaching, and not all types of preaching are acceptable to many preachers.

Themes

• Topical preaching - concerned with a particular subject of current concern;

• Exhortatory preaching - concerned with changing or affirming the behaviour of the congregation in a particular way;

• Biographical preaching - tracing the story of a particular biblical character through a number of parts of the bible;

• Evangelistic preaching - seeking to convert the congregation or bring them back to their previous faith;

• Charismatic preaching - seeking to inspire the congregation to an immediate spiritual experience;

• Expository preaching - preaching from a text and seeking to expound the text to the congregation;

Delivery methods

• Scripted preaching - preaching with a previous preparation, it can be with help of notes or a script, or rely on the Memory of the preacher.

• Extemporaneous preaching - preaching without notes and sometimes without preparation.

• Impromptu preaching - preaching without previous preparation.

See also

• Kerygma
• Kerygmatic theology
• Sermon