preaching

Preaching is a public address that proclaims religious, moral, or ideological messages to an audience, typically within a worship setting. It emphasizes exhortation and application in addition to information. The word derives from Latin praedicare, to proclaim, and in many faiths it involves interpreting sacred texts for a gathered community.

Historically, preaching has been central to many traditions. In Judaism and Islam, sermons have long accompanied prayers and public rites; in Christianity, preaching evolved from early apostolic exhortations to formal homilies and doctrinal sermons, with developments through the medieval and Reformation periods. Other traditions use similar forms of public exhortation, with variegated styles and authorities.

Forms and settings vary. Christian denominations distinguish sermons, homilies, and exhortations; Islam uses the khutbah for Friday prayers; secular contexts may employ motivational or civic preaching. Common elements include an opening statement, a main argument or exegesis, illustrative examples, and a concluding call to action or reflection.

Delivery and rhetoric matter. Effective preaching often relies on clear structure, audience awareness, storytelling, quotation of authoritative texts, and rhetorical devices. In contemporary practice, preachers may incorporate music, media, and interaction while aiming to respect listeners’ beliefs.

Ethics and impact. Preaching seeks to inform, comfort, persuade, or mobilize; it has social and personal consequences and has faced criticism for manipulation or exclusion when used to oppress. Responsible preaching emphasizes honesty, accountability, and sensitivity to diverse audiences.