The Dangers of Seeking Acclamation: Preaching the Truth Beyond Praise
Robert Wurtz II
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
Paul made it clear to the Corinthians (who were known for carnality) that his preaching was not intended to move people with rhetoric in the way the professional orators did in the first century. His goal was not crowd pleasing nor did he elicit a reaction to his preaching. He didn’t practice engaging the crowd. It wasn’t about him or his style, it was about clearly and powerfully communicating the Gospel.
Neither the style or the content were intended to impress the listener. No doubt he could have awed the people with novel facts about Jewish culture and the Old Testament law, but he didn’t. He used his education and experience only so far as the Spirit moved him to communicate truth. No novelty and not ostentatious. He didn’t seek the praise of men, but moved in obedience to the Heavenly vision he received on the road to Demascus.
The Human Need for Acceptance and Approval
In public speaking, teaching, and preaching, acclamation—the enthusiastic approval and praise from an audience—can feel exhilarating. It answers to our fundamental desire for acceptance and approval. Shouts of “Amen,” applause, and cheers create an atmosphere where the speaker feels affirmed, approved, and accepted — similar to how a comedian is moved by feelings of validation when the crowd erupts in laughter at their jokes. However, while the allure of validation and even acclamation is strong, preachers and teachers in the kingdom of God must understand the potential pitfalls of seeking validation from their audience. Instead, like Paul, we must focus on delivering the truth, especially when it is unpopular.
Apart from preaching in churches and various venues, decades of ministering in nursing homes and in places where affirmation is non existent has taught me a great lesson. If I become addicted to the affirmation of a crowd I will only minister where that exists. Moreover, I may preach and teach things not to convey truth, but for the euphoric effect I glean from the crowd. I may preach myself to death basking in the amens and fist pumps. Seriously, it could become a real problem that destroyed my effectiveness—believing that the measure of my success was the crowds reaction.
Understanding Acclamation
Acclamation is a word that stems from the Latin word “acclamare,” meaning to shout approval, and in some contexts, it’s a form of praise (and surely we are not seeking praise). On the positive side, it is a powerful tool that reinforces a speaker’s message and creates a sense of community among listeners who wish to express their agreement with what’s being said. However, this positive reinforcement of a ministers preaching can lead to a form of performance addiction, or worse, the speaker may measure the value of their message based on the crowd’s reaction. This can lead to discouragement or depression after some messages.
When the goal is right the verbal reaction will be of little consequence. Paul preached to turn people from darkness to light. Judging by what he preached to Festus, Felix, and Agrippa, he was far more like John the Baptist than any of us are willing to admit. In Acts 24:25 Felix trembled as Paul ministered to turn him from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. During the Cain Ridge Revival, people didn’t shout “amen”—hundreds were struck down under conviction of sin.
The Dangers of Seeking Praise
The Bible provides valuable insights regarding the desire for praise. In Matthew 6:1-2, Jesus warns, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people to be seen by them.” This admonition reminds us that our focus mustn’t be on gaining people’s approval; it also applies to teaching and preaching. Instead, focus on the faithful proclamation of truth, especially genuine repentance.
When preachers prioritize acclamation, they risk delivering messages catering to the crowd’s carnal desires or superficiality rather than addressing the hard truths necessary for repentance or spiritual growth. As a teacher or preacher, you are not called to entertain people with religious terms and phrases that whip people into a frenzy but to declare, “Thus says the Lord!”—no matter who likes it and how quiet the people get.
The Call to Preach Unpopular Truths
As preachers and teachers we all know the popular phrases and topics that get a crowd moving. While it may be tempting to deliver feel-good or hot-button messages that garner applause and the fleeting and deceptive feeling of “success,” faithful ministry requires addressing uncomfortable or unpopular truths. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” These were Paul’s dying words! This calling to preach emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, regardless of the audience’s reaction. You are not a performer; you are a preacher or teacher under orders from God.
Does it matter? Yes! We are accountable to God for what we say. James 3:1 warns us that teachers and preachers will have a stricter judgment on that great day. The late G.W. North was lying in bed one night, and he says to his wife, “you know, dear, I’ve been going through a period in my life when I thought about all the things that I have preached and taught people over the years. And if I have taught them wrong, I have dammed souls.” He then followed up to the crowd with this comment, “Some of you would not be so quick to want to be preachers if you knew the enormity of it.”
New Testament Preaching
Sadly, few people realize that Paul’s preaching was nothing like what we hear today. When Paul preached, he was beaten for what he said. When Stephen preached, he was stoned for what he said. John the Baptist lost his head for what he said. When the Lord Jesus preached, they took up stones to stone Him or led Him to the brow of a hill for what he said. What makes us think we should receive acclamation? What are we saying to get them? God help us!
Consider the Corinthians opinion of Paul’s delivery, For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account” (2 Corinthians 10:10). He wasn’t there to edify himself with the applause and acclamations of men, but to speak what the Spirit was saying to the people-which rarely elicits an “amen” and nobody tears the benches out. You might get a “NIB” ( not invited back).
Seeking Authenticity Over Acclamation
The desire for validation can lead to superficiality. When teachers and preachers focus solely on eliciting reactions, they are likely to compromise the authenticity of the Gospel by leaving out things that cut down on the reaction. In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?” This question is a vital reminder that our ultimate goal should be to please God, not the audience. Would God amen our preaching? That’s the question.
The Importance of Nourishing Truth
To illustrate the importance of delivering the right message, consider the analogy of rearing children. While they may prefer eating cakes and sweets, a balanced vegetable-rich diet is essential for their health. You will always be popular with the kids if you hand out ice cream and soda pop, but a good parent will focus on nutrition and add an occasional sweet. Not to mention bringing discipline, which is never popular. Similarly, congregations generally resist difficult truths, but these teachings are vital for genuine conversion and subsequent spiritual growth. Be a good parent and be a good teacher/preacher.
When we preach the truth, even if it is unpopular, we provide essential nourishment for the spiritual man and not the carnal man. If we are not feeding the sheep and calling the goats to repentance, we are failing. We are not there to entertain the goats and deprive the sheep of what they need. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. We must help the Saints grow and mature in their faith, equipping them to face life’s challenges and live out the faith authentically. People need to know how to walk and live in the Spirit, and that requires an entirely different spiritual palate than someone living in carnality.
Conclusion: A Call to Courage
In a time when acclamation can easily overshadow authentic ministry, preachers must resist the urge to seek this kind of deceptive praise. The people need to be built up in their most holy faith. Ear tickling and acclamation are like fishing for complements. People love to have their ears tickled, and we know this because the scripture said in the last days they will heap to themselves these kind of ministers. Don’t be one of them! You don’t need acclamation. Repent of it! Your goal must be to hear, “well done thou good and faithful servant.” The people need a message that will save their souls and help them work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. You don’t need acclamation; they need edification.
Instead, we must courageously deliver the truths that may not always be popular but are necessary. By focusing on the Gospel as it was once delivered unto the Saints and the approval of God, we can truly nourish our audience, helping them to grow in their faith and live lives that reflect the New Testament version of the Christian faith and not some superficial and shallow counterfeit.
