Bishop Norman Wagner: "A whole lot of preachers have been studying the tricks of the trade without learning the trade."

Learning about the 'trade'
as well as the 'tricks' of preaching

PHILADELPHIA (March 16, 2003) -- The first Philadelphia experience of Preaching with Power 2003 was unforgettable. Cars double and triple parked around the Pentecostal Bridegroom Temple in the 6400-block of Wister Street. Chairs to accommodate the overflow congregation on both sides of the center aisle. Passionate singing and dancing to praise Jesus.

A highlight of the evening was the preaching of Bishop Norman Wagner, Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Bishop Wagner focused on Revelation 21. He powerfully defined the various roles God assigns to people in serving Jesus Christ.

And he was enthusiastic in support of the seminary's Urban Theological Institute and its role in preparing leaders.

Bishop Wagner, left, begins his preaching. Looking on are Bishop Ernest Morris, center, pastor of Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, one of this year's host congregations for Preaching with Power, and Bishop Ronald L. Young, pastor of the Pentecostal Bridegroom Temple.

"We need preachers with spiritual and intellectual gifts," Wagner said, "preachers who can deal with the theology of God. An important part of the role of a preacher is to speak the word of God to the people, he said. "But the preacher also has to let God speak to him." Prayer, he said, is essential. "An important part of prayer is listening. Prayer is not when we do all the talking, it is the art of listening before speaking. The power of preaching lies in the power of one's relationship with God and what we can learn when we just shut up!" He said he believes too many preachers "have spent a whole lot of time studying the tricks of the trade without learning the trade."

UTI graduate Lois Barksdale enthusiastically told the congregation of her seminary experience. A generous collection by the congregation was given toward the J.Q. Jackson Fund. The fund supports scholarships for UTI seminarians.

The event was the first of seven Preaching with Power experiences set for this week of March 16-21.