Preaching as Counselling; Engaging Harry Emerson Fosdick's theory

The African continent is ravaged by poverty, sickness, among other menaces, and no doubt that preachers must bring relief to Africans through their sermons. The duties of African preachers are pastoral and prophetic. Gospel ministers in Africa must focus on how they can reduce if not solve the problems of the African continent through the Word of God. Preaching the Word of God is the primary task of the preachers, and for them to do this effectively, they must be true to the text by allowing the text to speak and not the needs of the people to influence their interpretations. A sermon, to be properly understood and have its purpose fulfilled, has to be experienced in its context and contents. A sermon is a communication and therefore is to be located as much among a particular group of listeners as with a particular speaker. Knowledge of the audience and their needs would contribute as much or more to its understanding as would knowing the person who is speaking. Since a sermon has many ears but one mouth, the preachers must bridge the gap between the biblical world and the listeners to ensure effective communication.