Everett Wilson states, “Preaching is the most undemocratic of routines. . . . Week in, week out, people come and listen for a half-hour at a time to someone like themselves. They do not interrupt; they do not walk out. They can’t switch channels. Sometimes the speaker scolds them, and they sit still for it. . . . Many of them, in fact, are giving sacrificially to keep the speaker’s family fed, clothed, housed, and educated. Those of us who have assumed such an undemocratic prerogative had better believe we are engaged in the ministry of the Word of God; otherwise there is no hope for us!”
Preaching seems foolish. The Bible admits as much, but claims there is power in it. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “God was well-pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.”
John A. Broadus famously observed that “preaching is characteristic of Christianity.” The prophets preached to Israel, calling them to repentance and righteousness. Jesus came preaching about the kingdom of God. The apostles preached Christ’s death and resurrection to all who would hear. The task given to pastors today is “preach the word.” The full scope of Scripture insists that we keep preaching at the top our priorities, and the reason is clear: advancing God’s mission happens through preaching God’s word.
Dr. Chuck Fuller comes to Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Kentucky and Indiana. He holds a BA in Christian Studies from Campbellsville University, and an MDiv and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His primary field of study for the Ph.D. was in Christian preaching, with additional studies in systematic theology and philosophy. Before arriving at AU, Dr. Fuller was pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and adjunct professor of Christian preaching at Boyce College of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, Dr. Fuller has served on committees and boards of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Married to Jessie, Dr. Fuller and his wife have two children–Kaylen Marie and Ian Charles. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Bible from Ozark Christian College, with a concentration in deaf ministry. Currently, Jessie works as a stay-at-home mom and brilliant culinary artist.
Homiletical theology comprises Dr. Fuller’s primary research area, as demonstrated in his recent book, The Trouble With “Truth Through Personality”: Phillips Brooks, Incarnation, and the Evangelical Boundaries of Preaching. Dr. Fuller also presented a paper, titled “The Pulpit at the Precipice of Heresy,” at the 2010 meeting of the Evangelical Homiletical Society.