Paul Washer

[SolitarySoul]

Let me make my case clear. I am not worried about Washers message, the entire contents seem to be true. My worry is more about the METHOD in which he carries his message. Should be preach the message in love and grace or should we be direct to the heart? Which way will Christians in comtemporary culture will listen to us?

I think the word "love" is misused today. How is Paul Washer's method "unloving"? If "love" is only about soft-hearted messages for thin-skinned people, then Jesus Himself was not being very loving in much of His ministry. I understand what you are saying, but if a message is one of love and grace, that has to do with the message itself, not necessarily the method.

Now if you're talking to a non-believer or a new Christian who has just not matured very much yet in his or her faith, I would agree with you. In fact I do agree with you for most messages - I am not particularly "for" loud preaching. I would much rather listen to something that's a little more easy on the ears. But as others have pointed out, our preference is not the point. I think Washer's method is necessary because of the audience he usually directs his messages towards - people who profess to be Christians but really aren't living their lives for Christ.

By the way if anyone's interested I plan on posting a 9-hour compilation (in many parts) of a great message by Washer on The True Gospel on YouTube soon if I can be sure that I have the rights to do so. I highly recommend it if you haven't heard it before. It really convicted me personally and helped me to better understand the Gospel message. He gets pretty loud in here as well in parts, but again I think the urgency and importance of the message justifies that manner of preaching in this case. Here's my new YouTube channel if you'd like to keep a look out for it: http://www.youtube.com/user/WarrantedFaith

 

[heymikey80]

I believe the question of whether the message is loving, lies in whether the message gets the truth through to those who hear. That's great when it does. It's great when he reaches kids who have "checked-out" of sanctification, or even some other kids who have "compartmentalized" their mission to acting a certain way at church, or kids who have wholly withdrawn from addressing the world.

But those he doesn't reach, he often offends. To some he comes off as manipulative. To others they just don't see him operating among their friends -- so how can he say what he says, when he's not connecting to their world, their mission field, their ... life?

Better to have someone within their culture saying what Washer's saying, than someone completely separated from their culture. That's often what Paul Washer is. And that's often why he doesn't connect.

For what it's worth, I've listened to a few of his messages to teens and adapted that message -- and sometimes it's asking very tough questions of kids. They hear that edge. But I work with those kids every few days. I spend lots of time to where they would consider my statements relevant.

Sometimes it's disappointing. When you lose a whole class over something too important to drop, it can be very depressing. But as a leader you have to press them on to maturity. Some will leave. And you don't want those who remain to be "deceptively Christian" or "pseudoChristian" to the next group of Christians.

If Washer would like to address some of the real issue, I should think he should address the church, which has not consistently taught nor trained kids to hold a faith with such strength of difference as he wants. When one kid is backslidden, you may challenge the kid. When a generation is backslidden, you have to question their leaders.

 

[Beoga]

Touche! O.K. I actually agree with you both in some ways! I personally prefer not to be yelled at either but I do want to hear the word and not feel good motivational talks. Some emphasis is necessary at time to impact the seriousness of the message but can be done without yelling.

I continue to learn so be patient with me also!

I am not accusing you of this (I have seen enough of your posts not to accuse you of this), but it seems that many times when people say that they don't like to be yelled out, it really means that don't like to hear about sin, their own depravity, Hell, and God's Justice and Wrath. What these people really want is someone to tickle their own ears.
As I think about it, it seems that the majority of the people that do yell (or speak with louder emphasis) are the ones that affirm and recognizes the seriousness of such doctrines as I listed. A preacher who does not recognize such doctrine, or if they do, don't think them serious enough to speak about, have no reason to yell (or speak with loud emphasis). Instead, the only thing they seem to see a need for is to have a "conversation" or speak as a motivational speaker would (which really, that is all they are).

 

[ContraMundum]

I love Paul Washer. We need to talk direct in this age were the Law is seldom preached in the context of the Gospel.

 

[country]

What do you all think about Paul Washer? I in no way doubt the truth he speaks in this video but is he a bit harsh or too direct?

http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resources/video/175

'On some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh'. Jude22,23

The reason you notice his being 'harsh or too direct' is due to the ambiguous, watered down, motivational speech, feel good, manage your finanaces and relationships' fare that so many are spouting(not preaching0 in some pulpits!
Paul Washer is doing what he will be held accountable for and that is 'preaching the word'! He is serious about his responsibility and grieves at the state of our world today and urgently pleads for the lost to see their lostness!

'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God!' 2 Cor 5:20

Paul Washer does good for God!!

I agree wholeheartedly! Paul Washer is a wonderful biblical preacher. Thank God for men like him out there in the pulpits. I have listened to quite a few of his sermons, and mercy, convicting stuff. He takes God and the Word of God very seriously and that comes out in his preaching. I believe God is using him in a powerful way for His Glory. I wish every Christian, especially in America would listen to at least one full message from him. I agree with him that the church in the USA is full of false converts.

 

[Thenolos]

When I heard Washer's "shocking" sermon, I couldn't seem to find the shocking part... All I can think of is that most Christian teens are used to hearing fluff every week.

There is a time and place for the gentle mention and the harsh rebuke. American culture is such that we who are immersed in it often need the rebuke.

 

[cygnusx1]

"harsh" ! ?

I found him a pussycat compaired with the mannerisms of Robert A. Morey

 

[+Word+]

I think Paul Washer is one of the best preachers of today. More pastors need to take a page out of his book; he really is effective. The only reason he might sounds too harsh to some people is because he is a very convicting preacher. He is intense but someone needs to be.

 

[+Word+]

I think Paul Washer is one of the best preachers of today. More pastors need to take a page out of his book; he really is effective. The only reason he might sounds too harsh to some people is because he is a very convicting preacher. He is intense but someone needs to be.