Why Loud Preaching Isn’t Biblical
Many preachers today shout, scream, and hype up their sermons—but is that biblical? This article explores how Jesus and Paul preached, and why true preaching doesn’t need volume to carry power.
Today’s pulpits are filled with noise. You don’t have to look far to find a preacher shouting at the top of his lungs, waving his hands, stomping his feet, and trying to stir up a reaction. Some call it “anointed,” but much of it is just hype. It may draw a crowd, but it doesn’t always deliver truth. It may entertain the ears, but it doesn’t always feed the soul.
Jesus didn’t preach like that. He didn’t scream to be heard. He didn’t jump or shout to make a point. He spoke with authority, but His words were calm, clear, and full of truth. When He opened His mouth, He opened hearts. “And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying…” (Matthew 5:2). That’s how the greatest sermon ever preached began—with no fanfare, no volume, just truth.
Paul was the same way. He wasn’t a performer. In fact, some people thought he lacked stage presence. “For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible’” (2 Corinthians 10:10). But Paul wasn’t trying to impress. He wasn’t chasing applause—he was after souls. “My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). His confidence wasn’t in how he spoke—it was in what he spoke.
But sadly, many people today are drawn more to style than to substance. They’re moved by emotion, not conviction. They follow loud voices because they think the shouting means the Spirit is moving. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t need noise to work. His voice is often still and small. The truth of God’s Word doesn’t need hype—it stands on its own.
People who follow that kind of preaching often don’t realize they’re being entertained instead of equipped. They leave a service feeling stirred, but not changed. They feel a rush, but not repentance. They remember the shouting, but not the Scripture. Faith doesn’t grow in noise. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). If the Word isn’t being rightly preached, there’s no foundation—just feelings.
And that’s dangerous. A church built on emotion is weak. It may look alive, but it’s spiritually starving. God’s people need meat, not milk. They need truth, not theatrics. That’s why Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). That kind of preaching doesn’t always get cheers, but it grows fruit.
Preaching is not a performance. It’s not a show. It’s a calling to speak God’s truth with honesty, humility, and power from the Spirit—not from the flesh. The early church didn’t need microphones or mood lighting. They had the gospel. They had the Word. And that was enough.
We’re not called to be louder than the world. We’re called to be different. And different doesn’t always draw a crowd. It draws those who are truly hungry for truth. The church doesn’t need more hype. It needs more holiness. More brokenness. More truth spoken in love, by men who aren’t trying to be seen, but trying to make Christ known.
It’s not about being loud. It’s about being faithful. Let the world do the shouting. We’ve been called to preach the Word—with a steady voice and a clean heart.
“Speak to us pleasant words…” —Isaiah 30:10
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
