A Brief History of the Sunday Sermon
Why do pastors preach on Sundays? Is there a right way to preach a sermon? Is the practice even biblical or rooted in historical tradition?
Throughout church history, the Sunday sermon has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in culture, theology, and church practices. From its Jewish roots to modern-day evangelicalism, preaching has been a central act of worship, shaping and reshaping the Christian faith across centuries. This article explores the history of the Sunday sermon and argues that while the methods and styles of preaching have varied, the core mission of following Jesus and honoring Him stays the same.
Jewish Roots and Early Christian Preaching
The tradition of preaching has deep roots in Jewish worship, where sermons were delivered in the context of prayers, hymns, and the reading of Scripture. As Hebrew ceased to be the common spoken language, interpretations of the Scriptures became necessary, laying the groundwork for expository preaching. In the synagogues, teaching was not just for instruction but also for indoctrination and conversion, a practice that early Christians adopted and adapted.
When Jesus preached his first sermon at Nazareth, He exemplified the liturgical and exegetical elements of preaching. He read from the Scriptures and provided interpretation, setting a precedent for future Christian preachers. Yet during the famed Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preaches in a more topical manner. Decades later, the early church continued this tradition with the apostles, especially Paul, who preached with rationality and coherence, often in a didactic manner, as seen in his address to the Athenians (Acts 17:22–31).
The Early Christian Church and the Middle Ages
In the early Christian church, preaching was vital for spreading the gospel. The core message of the early church, focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus, is prominently preached by Peter on Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41). Lay preaching was also common during this time, especially in rural areas, where uneducated but devout Christians carried the message forward.
As the church grew, so did the complexity of its preaching. Influential figures like Melito of Sardis and Origen developed styles that intertwined exegesis and sermon delivery. Origen, in particular, popularized the allegorical method, influencing centuries of Christian preaching.
However, the Middle Ages saw a decline in the relevance of preaching. The focus shifted to the Eucharist (communion), and sermons were often delivered in Latin, which many congregants did not understand. Even today, the communion table remains central in Catholic churches while the pulpit is off to the side.
The Reformation and Beyond
The Reformation marked a pivotal moment in the history of preaching. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the centrality of the Scriptures in worship, often preaching directly from the Bible. Luther’s sermons were polemical and pedagogical, addressing both theological issues and practical aspects of Christian living. Calvin’s expository preaching set a high standard for clarity and depth, influencing many future generations.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, revivalist preachers like John Wesley and George Whitefield brought a new style of evangelistic preaching. Their sermons, while based on Scripture, were more topical and aimed at inspiring immediate conversion and practical holiness.
The Modern Era
The modern era has seen further diversification in preaching styles and methods. From the Great Awakenings to Billy Graham, we see a variety of preaching styles dependent on the goals of gathering.
Despite these diverse approaches, the core mission of the sermon has remained consistent: to expound the Word of God and guide believers in their faith. As C.S. Lewis aptly noted, Christians have a natural tendency towards the “horror of the same old thing,” always seeking novelty. Yet, the essence of preaching is not about adhering to a single method or style but about faithfully proclaiming the gospel in a way that honors God and teaches men.
The history of the Sunday sermon is a testament to the dynamic and adaptive nature of Christian worship. From the synagogues of ancient Israel to the megachurches of today, preaching has taken many forms. Each era has brought its own challenges and innovations, but the fundamental purpose of preaching — to honor Jesus and proclaim His message — has never changed. In today’s diverse and rapidly changing culture, Christians are called not to idolize any particular method of preaching but to faithfully follow Christ and make His message relevant to the world around them.
