Pastor Chen, a preacher in a house church in southern China, shared 10 warnings regarding the actions of preachers:
1. They speak a lot even if what actually matters is little.
2. They share mysterious and undivine visions. Sharing common vision and other similar perspectives is a foolishness and lacks catching evidence.
3. No interaction with listeners.
4. Act with grateful tears on the podium.
5. Using too much "Amen questions" to arouse responses from listeners when it is not necessary.
6. Pretend to be perfect in everything.
7. Adhering to legalism and recklessly judging people with laws.
8. Shouting. The truth does not need many words. Loudness is not necessarily persuasive.
9. No proper pauses is given to allow listeners to understand each statement made.
10. Taking God's place in speaking.
In addition to these warnings, Pastor Chen warned preachers: "You need to have life first before you can preach the word of life. Try to understand the Bible first to avoid leading others astray. Obey God before one demands obedience from others. Be a student first before you teach others. Let the Bible speak by itself. Aim to be accurate and simple. Teach as much as you understand."
Pastor Chen also shared ten traps that preachers easily fall into.
1. Lack faith in God and the Bible, bringing uncertainty to preaching.
2. Doubt the power of the Holy Spirit, not trusting one's message.
3. Not believing that sermons could change people's lives.
4. Refuse to repent for one's sins.
5. Sermon message is far from the meaning of the Bible.
6. Please listeners, without encouraging them to point out problems and realize their sins.
7. Lack the sharp perception of prophets, not able to see the church's flaws.
8. Not lift up Christ and steal God's glory.
9. Considering preaching a commercial speech.
10. Busy with secular works, no time to pray and prepare sermons.
Translated by Alvin Zhou
