About the Book
The spiritual decay of nominalism threatens the established church worldwide. While spiritual lethargy is often addressed from the perspective of theology and discipleship, little attention has been given to the role of homiletics in revitalizing a congregation's spiritual health.
In this study, Dr. Johnson Raih explores the impact of preaching on members of Baptist churches in Imphal, Manipur, India, from 2000 to 2015. He utilizes interviews and questionnaires from pastors, church leaders, and lay members to assess the presence of nominalism within church congregations, along with the effects of various preaching methods on increasing or decreasing spiritual vitality. Combining this qualitative research with scriptural and theological insight, Raih suggests that expository preaching has the power to confront, and even eradicate, nominalism within the church. He draws on biblical examples, along with the methodology of John Stott and Timothy Keller, to offer ten practical recommendations for countering nominalism homiletically - whether in Imphal, India, or around the world.
About the Author :
R. T. JOHNSON RAIH has a PhD from the South Asian Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore, India. A lifelong learner, he also has master's degrees in English literature, public administration, and education, and his passions include expository preaching and training pastors and preachers. He is the former principal of Manipur Baptist Convention Higher Secondary School in Imphal and currently serves as regional associate coordinator for Langham Preaching, India. He also pastors at Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF) in Hyderabad, India.
Review :
Why is nominalism rampant within the church? Could it be that it has to do with deficient preaching that fails to expound God's word in a faithful and challenging way to his people? Johnson Raih has set out to explore the connection in relation to the Baptist churches in Imphal, Manipur, in northeast India, an area with a long Christian tradition. Taking care to situate his findings in a wider biblical and contemporary framework concerning preaching, he is, above all, concerned with listening to the voice of the people. They reveal why much preaching fails to produce mature and holy Christians and what can be done about it. If his findings are given the seriousness they deserve, it could revolutionize the quality of Christian living not only in Imphal but well beyond it too.
Derek Tidball, PhD
Adjunct Lecturer and Research Supervisor, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore, India
Former Principal, London School of Theology, UK
This is an extensive and elaborate work, perhaps a premier for the region of northeast India. There is elaborate and in-depth research - it is refreshing to go through the analytical discussions on the expository preaching in chapter 6, and in chapter 7, the pragmatic task is very relevant for all. Raih rightly points out that "effective preaching must ultimately lead people to encounter God, and experience him personally in their lives, thus bringing spiritual vitality" (pg. 268). After a thorough examination on the works of some of the Western and Oriental practitioners of homiletics, Raih's research recommends that "preaching a clear expository and biblical gospel will impact the spiritual lives, ethics, and commitment of the people positively, thus combating nominalism" (pg. 299). This monograph is a must-read for all preachers and is worthy of a space in your library.
Rev. A. K. Lama, DMin, PhD
Former General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI)
Good preaching packs a punch. Probing the disarray that nominalism has brought to the church in northeast India, Johnson Raih's fine qualitative research explores the evangelical intuition that systematic expository preaching strengthens the church and combats nominalism. His study confirms better preaching will have impact. Every northeast Indian Christian leader needs to read it.
Ian Payne, PhD
Former Principal, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore, India
Executive Director, Theologians Without Borders
This book reveals the long-time experience of Johnson Raih with the Baptist churches in Manipur, their preaching, and its impact on the lives of the congregation. Many people get frustrated when preaching is unrelated and unimpressive. Johnson Raih's writings in this book are a great guide to effective preaching in times of spiritual lethargic attitude. He fills the gap between the pulpit and the pews through his conclusions. If pastors want to move their congregation from nominalism to spirituality, through an effective method of preaching, this book is the right book to read.
Rev. Prof. Alfred Stephen, DTh
Professor of Homiletics, Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, India
