Waxahachie, Texas – November 25, 2015 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) professor Dr. Jeff Magruder published “The Rise of Expository Preaching in Assemblies of God Ministerial Education: Potential and Pitfalls” in the World Alliance for Pentecostal Theological Education’s (WAPTE) Fall 2015 edition of ” The Pentecostal Educator. ”
Dr. Magruder’s article was requested for its applicability to the training of Pentecostal preachers and it’s focus on the prominence of expository preaching in the Assemblies of God ministerial education system. Dr. Magruder explains in his article, “Expository preaching is the most prominent approach to preaching in the training of Assemblies of God ministers today.”
Dr. Magruder mentions how this style of preaching is being taught in AG Bible Institutes, colleges and seminaries, and promoted in several publications.
He recounts in the article some of the benefits and possible pitfalls that can limit the usefulness of this style of preaching. Allowing for a variety in Homiletic Forms, utilizing the power of the Big Idea, contributing to pastoral longevity, and promoting a high view of the Bible are some potential benefits of expository preaching.
Dr. Magruder concludes his article by describing some developments in expository preaching that can provide guidance in training Assembly of God students in expository preaching. “These developments can aid in teaching expository preaching in such a way that promotes Pentecostal spirituality, audience sensitivity, and effective Bible exposition.”
The executive editor of “The Pentecostal Educator” Rick Wadholm Jr. noted, “Dr. Jeff Magruder offers a telling article on the widespread use of the expository model of preaching in the A/G in his contribution toward instruction in Pentecostal preaching.”
Dr. Magruder shared, “I’m grateful for the opportunity that The Pentecostal Educator has given me to share my research on the growing popularity of Expository Preaching in the training of Assemblies of God ministers with a larger audience.”
He credits his success to his studies at SAGU with the emphasis on the historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible. “SAGU taught me not only to love the Bible but how to read it.”
Dr. Magruder has been teaching at SAGU for 15 years in the College of Bible and Church Ministries. He received a bachelor’s degree from SAGU in Biblical Studies, a master’s at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of ministry in preaching at Gordon-Conwell Seminary.
He has served as a pastor, interim pastor, youth pastor, and presented papers at the Society of Pentecostal Studies and the Evangelical Homiletical Society . His articles on Preaching have appeared in Preaching Magazine , Enrichment Journal , and The Preachers College .
As the journal of WAPTE, “The Pentecostal Educator” biannually e-publishes scholarly and practical articles related to theological education within the Pentecostal tradition to encourage the continuing maturation of Pentecostal theological education.
The Pentecostal Educator is free of charge as an open access in order to provide materials to worldwide. The journal covers topics such as institutional case studies, critical engagement with current newsworthy events, educational trends, pedagogical analysis and book reviews.
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling1-888-YES-SAGU.
