Of only one thing are Christians assured. God has promised to be with his people as judge and savior both in the catacombs and on the throne, and for either of these destinies believers need a mastery of their native tongue which is at the moment fast disappearing. Relearning the language of Zion is imperative whatever the cultural future of the church. The ultimate question is the question of salvation . Strong eruptions of religious faith have always been marked by the appearance of people with firm, unapologetic, often uncompromising convictions that is, by types that are the very opposite from those presently engaged in the various 'relevance' operations .
Many sermons offer personal therapies, which can be better provided by well-trained psychiatrists.
The only skill the preacher has or the church, for that matter which is not found with greater excellence somewhere else, is theology, in particular the skill to interpret and apply the Word of God in sermon, teaching, and pastoral care. This is the great service which the minister and the church can render the world.