John Calvin--Preacher and Teacher

2009 marks the quincentennial of the birth of John Calvin (later this year--10 July). The traditional Ligonier pre-conference seminar was expanded into Thursday morning in order to accommodate a "mini-conference" on the life and legacy of Calvin, given his importance in the history of Reformed theology.

The series was kicked off by Dr. Al Mohler, who spoke on the theme of Calvin as preacher and teacher. He observed that this was an apt description of Calvin's legacy. God vindicates his own and his truth, reflected in 500 years of influence. Calvin preached 4000 sermons in Geneva in a relatively short time span. He preached through many (not all) books of the Bible and conducted many sermon series. He was very dedicated to his calling as a preacher. The Reformation was mostly within his hearers. William Farel and Martin Bucer exhorted him against his preferences to go to Geneva. He was convinced that preachers needed to be taught; the Institutes in their final form were intended for this purpose. Preachers are to confine themselves to the word of God--don't preach one's own ideas and don't try to be clever. Exposition of the Bible is the preaching of God's word, which is applied by the Spirit in the hearts of the hearers. The preacher is sent and commissioned by God himself and therefore carries authority. A call to the preaching office is necessary. Preaching is revelation--not innovative but in proclamation. Preaching is central to worship. The preacher must be a scholar. Study is required in order to rightly divide the word of truth. Preaching is eminently pastoral. Counseling comes best through preaching the word (Mohler inveighed against the practice of seminarians taking counseling classes and neglecting theology). Any preacher faithful to his calling will face adversity, in the form of hard work, opposition, and suffering; Calvin certainly did. But Calvin understood that the enemies he faced were God's enemies--he himself was not the real focus of their enmity. Thank the God who gave Calvin to the church and spoke through him. Right epistemology: God speaks, you listen.