What is the difference between expository and expositional preaching? As a preacher, you have probably heard these terms thrown around a time or two. But what do they really mean?
In this article, you will discover the differences between expository and expositional preaching, the key benefits and drawbacks, plus practical tips and examples. Find out which one best fits your style and context and determine the best approach to minister effectively to your audience.
Expository Preaching
Definition: What Does Expository Preaching Mean?
Expository preaching is taking a piece of scripture and preaching exclusively on that one section of scripture. You can do this with a verse or two, a handful of verses, a chapter, or an entire story. The goal of expository preaching is getting down to the original meaning and interpretation of that specific scripture or story and explaining it in a way that anyone can understand. Typically there will be some practical life application derived from the teaching so that audiences know what to take away from the message and what they can do with that lesson.
This isn’t always true with expository messages since the goal is to discover the essence of the scripture. In his book Between Two Worlds, John Stott defines expository preaching as “The expositor opens what appears to be closed, makes plain what is obscure, unravels what is knotted, and unfolds what is tightly packed.” The big key to expository is making the scripture understandable and accessible.
Key Benefits of Expository Preaching
The big benefit to expository preaching is that you go deep with one piece of scripture instead of going wide with many scriptures or using many verses to prove a point or reaffirm a specific subject. You are taking one verse and making it understandable and applicable to anyone, regardless of their church experience or background. For someone on the receiving end of an expository message, they should leave with a new appreciation and understanding of that specific verse. It should also help them to understand the meaning and allow them to know exactly what to do.
People who are intellectually driven tend to prefer expository preaching. The deep approach to preaching keeps the message centered, focused, and obvious which is another great benefit.
Key Drawbacks of Expository Preaching
The biggest drawback to expository preaching is that it can often feel dry or stale. A lot of expository preachers don’t use a lot of personal stories, analogies, or any other mechanisms of communication and tend to stick with that specific verse and the historical context surrounding it. Some people may view these sermons as “boring” or not as engaging. Much of this depends on the speaker’s delivery, but these drawbacks may deter newer Christians or someone who has never been to church before. This type of preaching may not appeal to the masses.
Tips and Examples of Expository Preaching
The biggest tip to successfully create an engaging expository message is to do a lot of research on that verse. Use many commentaries, look at the Greek and Hebrew, and find the historical context surrounding the verse. Once you have those elements, focus on how this revelation and scripture applies to someone’s life. Make it applicable to anyone. The goal is to find the intended interpretation and meaning of that text.
The late Timothy Keller and Charles Spurgeon were some of the most well-known expository preachers. John MacArthur is another great example of an expository preacher. A newer voice in the preaching circuit that uses expository preaching is Robert Madue, lead pastor of The Social. He is a true modern expository preacher and has found a way to incorporate a lot of stories, analogies, and humor while focusing on going deep and breaking down a specific passage.
Expositional Preaching
Definition: What Does Expositional Preaching Mean?
Expositional preaching differs from expository preaching because the focus isn’t on one piece of scripture but instead on a specific subject or topic. The expositional model may not go deep into the context, history, or original language of the scriptures and verses. Instead, the expositional preacher may use many verses to prove a point or to talk about a specific subject. The focus of expositional scripture is to drive home one message, idea, thought, or topic. You may sometimes use a few verses or a story from Scripture, but often there will be multiple verses from different parts of the Bible.
This type of preaching is more of a wider approach, where you are surveying what the Bible says on a topic or subject. Expositional messages tend to be more practical, are easy to understand, and have multiple elements and dynamics to help drive home the main idea. These types of messages really focus on the life application portion of the message
Key Benefits of Expositional Preaching
The big benefit of expositional preaching is that your message and topic will be clear and comprehensive with simple takeaways. Because the life application is clear and emphasized, anyone, regardless of their church background, can leave with simple next steps and a clear understanding of what the Bible says regarding that topic. These messages are typically filled with a lot of humor, analogies, stories, props, and object lessons that make the message simple and easy to understand for anyone. Several expositional messages have 3-5 points that help shape the format which paints a clear picture for the congregation listening.
Expositional messages are engaging and inspiring and appeal to people’s emotions and hearts.
Key Drawbacks of Expositional Preaching
The big drawback to expositional preaching is that you don’t always get the intended interpretation of that specific bible verse or passage. Bible verses have one interpretation but many applications. Expositional preaching focuses on the application and can sometimes overlook the intended interpretation or meaning of that passage. These messages can also be viewed as shallow and may not appeal to someone’s intellect. Even though the messages may be engaging, they may not be as deep or meaningful, especially for people who have been Christians for a long time.
Tips and Examples of Expositional Preaching
The key to a good expositional message is to find many verses that prove your thought, idea, or chosen subject. Use the rule of three. If you can discover three verses to support your idea or subject, then it’s probably safe to speak on it. Another important thing to remember when preparing an expositional message is to use a lot of variety in your delivery. Share personal stories, use props, and use culturally relevant references.
But don’t just stop there. Make sure there is a strong connection and lesson between your story and subject to really drive home your point. There are two main ways to format an expositional message. You can either build towards a big idea you want to end on that is the big takeaway. The second is to have one main idea or point and have sub-points proving your main point. There are no right or wrong ways to go and you can even switch it up week to week.
Some well-known expositional preachers would be Steven Furtik, lead pastor of Elevation Church, Rich Wilkerson Jr., lead pastor of Vous Church, and Craig Groeshel, lead pastor of Life Church.
Understanding the Differences Between Expository and Expositional Preaching
Understanding the difference between expository and expositional preaching will help you determine which format and style best fits you and your congregation. Don’t feel like you need to pick one specific style for the rest of your life. Test both out and see how it goes. Get feedback from trusted leaders, staff members, and your congregation to see what best fits your context.
The important thing is that you are teaching the Bible and helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Focus on that, and you can’t lose!
