The State of Expository Preaching in the United Kingdom: An Examination of Its History and Current Practice

Abstract

This thesis argues that there has been a large and very concerning decline in expository preaching in the United Kingdom. Chapter 1 begins by acquainting the reader with the historical legacy of expository preaching in the United Kingdom and its apparent downgrade today. Chapter 2 provides a biblical, theological, and historical argument for expository preaching. Chapter 3 gives an overview of the rich heritage of expository preaching in the United Kingdom. Chapter 4 examines the content and structure of sermons preached in some of the United Kingdom’s most influential, newly established churches. Chapter 5 begins with suggestions as to possible causes for the troubling decline of expository preaching in the United Kingdom and goes on to consider possible implications for the church across the United Kingdom should this downward trend in expository preaching continue.