Bavinck had little patience for pastors who did not study. The congregation has the right to the hear the Word of God explained. When the pulpit wants to regain its power, the preacher must be a student of the Word, search it in all its riches and depth, in its unity and diversity. Bavinck said that we know so little about the Scripture. There are still so many hidden treasures never enjoyed as yet by the congregation.
Pastors are treasure hunters.
Congregations should not be satisfied with sermonettes, stories and anecdotes. Bavinck urges pastors to hasten, so that when the Son appears, we can say to Him that we have kept His Word and have not denied His name, and that we know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. He was a great theologian with a childlike faith, a disciple of Christ, a willing student of the Word and a master teacher. After his death, his scholarly contributions, his broad interest in culture, his staunch support for Christian education and politics, and his defense of the Reformed faith were duly noted.