A Study on John Calvin's Preaching From the Perspective of His Theology and Ministry

The achievements of the Reformation Movement are mainly the contributions of preachers and preaching. Preaching the Word of God is the center of Church, the Reformation recovered the centrality of preaching in worship. John Calvin said that one of the most important marks of the true Church is the pure preaching of the Word. Preaching service plays an extremely important position in Christianity, because only the revival of true preaching service on the pulpit can bring about a great revival of faith. On the contrary, the error and decline of preaching will inevitably lead to corruption and degeneration of the Church. The church needs true preaching that based on pure theology, faithful to the Bible and focusing on practice and application. But there are too many works about new ways of preaching today, which do not pay attention to the interpretation of the Bible faithfully, and ignores the theological basis, but only focus on how to collect materials for a sermon; how to set the theme and develop a clear logical structure, how to use philosophy and beautiful literary rhetoric, how to express with enthusiasm, and to attract audience attention with interactive or storytelling skills. I’m not completely denying these efforts in preparation, but these are not the most important points of preaching principles. This thesis does not simply look into preaching methods and skills; this thesis will focus on explaining the principles of Calvin's preaching. Calvin's high view of preaching was supported by a high view of God, a high view of Scripture and his biblical theology. A proper and good preaching is based on biblical theology and sound doctrine. Calvin applies the principle of Scripture interprets Scripture, and pays attention to analyze the original grammatical meaning and literal meaning of the Word, and to find out the intention of the biblical authors and the historical context. Calvin's piety is a key to his preaching ability. He focused on experiental preaching and strived to practice what he preached. This thesis is structured from the following three perspectives to research and study Calvin’s important preaching principles: theology, expository principles and application. These three perspectives are closely related and indispensable for preaching the whole gospel and witness of the Word of God. Only when the above three aspects are properly balanced can there be a correct interpretation and preaching of the Word, and a right application in congregation’s daily life. Calvin’s preaching, teaching, evangelizing, comforting and exhortation are practicing his sound theology, and is a model beyond times and contexts. As the most important founder of reformed theology, a great exegete devoted to biblical and rigorous expository preaching, and an excellent example in application of the Bible's teaching and in pious service and life, Calvin has brought great help and blessings to the saints and preachers of later generations. The preacher of the Church really needs to study the principles of Calvin's preaching.