Preaching the Gospel: An Interview with Todd Stout from Church of the Advent Hope

Best Practices for Adventist Worship (BP): You underwent a pretty significant shift in how you approach preaching. When was that and what precipitated that change?

Todd Stout (TS): Well, you've put me on the spot, but I guess it was around 2016. I attended a gathering with Redeemer's City to City program, which hosted quarterly or monthly ministers’ gatherings. One of the sessions was on evangelistic preaching, which piqued my interest because I had taken a class on the subject during my seminary studies at Andrews University. The focus there was heavily on the unique doctrines of the Adventist Church, running through the 28 fundamentals, among other things. I wanted to see what Tim Keller had to say about evangelistic preaching. I remember distinctly how he described it as talking about what God has done on our behalf, emphasizing God's work for us. Though I knew this theoretically, hearing it articulated so eloquently was a moment of clarity about the gospel being about God's work for us, not what we do.

BP: It sounds like this was a pivotal moment for you. How did this shift in understanding affect your preaching?

TS: Absolutely, it shifted my focus from emphasizing what we can do to what God has already done. Most Adventists would agree that the good news is about God's actions, yet there's a tendency in our preaching to emphasize self-improvement—adopting better ideas and a better way of living. While transformation and growth are essential, focusing on moralistic messages fails to accomplish its intended end. This isn't unique to Adventism, though. Many preaching traditions I've encountered tend to have this moralistic bent, suggesting “10 ways to be a better Christian” and the like.

BP: So, would you say this is a widespread issue in preaching?

TS: Yes, and it’s reassuring and disheartening simultaneously that we, as Adventists, are not alone in this struggle. Tim Keller's approach resonates widely precisely because it cuts across traditional moralistic narratives found in many traditions. The real issue isn’t a lack of desire to improve or a lack of biblical knowledge. Rather, it's the approach of offering better theology or advice for Christian living as the primary tools for spiritual growth, which isn’t working as intended. We often end up with a self-help model that's information-centric—outlining what Christians should be doing and how we should be doing it, which doesn't really empower us spiritually.

BP: How do you see the role of the preacher in addressing this challenge?

TS: What I learned from Keller and also from Eugene Lowry's book, The Homiletical Plot, is that the role of the preacher isn't just to remind us where there is a need for improvement—that's just the hook. The real turn comes when we acknowledge that, despite our best efforts, we can't achieve these ideals on our own. This realization shouldn't lead us to despair but to focus on the gospel's power, which is available to us because of what Christ has done and is doing. Preaching can help worshipers realize that they won't succeed by their own efforts but can rely on what Jesus has already accomplished and makes available to us through His intercessory work and the work of the Holy Spirit.

BP: How does this align with findings in social science?

TS: Interestingly, social science is catching up with biblical wisdom. Current research, like that reported Ross Ellenhorn’s book, How We Change, points out that simply trying harder doesn't foster change. What leads to real transformation is a change of heart—a change in what we desire. From a Christian perspective, we know that only the gospel can transform our hearts. This is where our preaching should land: not on our efforts but on Christ's transformative power that offers a solution to our deepest needs—something we can't achieve on our own.

Most people come to worship acknowledging their failures over the past week. Good advice or calls for more effort won't change their condition, but an encounter with Christ through the proclamation of the gospel can be transformative. It provides something beyond our capabilities—holistic salvation through Christ, which empowers us and removes the shackles of shame. This is why it's vital to be honest about our limitations and to focus on the abundant grace available through Jesus. Any sermon that doesn't end with a focus on God's work in Christ risks leading people into greater shame. We have the opportunity, instead, to preach truly Good News about the God who alone can save us, transform us, and heal the world.

[Editor’s note: There is a tremendous opportunity to grow together in our experience and understanding of gospel-centered preaching. Join us for the Gospel-Centered Preaching Conference in New York City, October 28-29, 2024. Learn more and register today: gospelcenteredpreaching.org]