The Problem of Exaggeration in Preaching

 

Exaggeration in Preaching

Exaggeration in preaching refers to overstating facts, stretching stories, or making claims that are not fully true or verifiable in order to make a message more dramatic, emotional, or persuasive. While some preachers may do this unintentionally, it raises important theological and ethical problems.

1. It compromises truth

The Bible calls ministers to speak truthfully. When a preacher exaggerates, they risk misrepresenting reality and, by extension, dishonoring God who is the God of truth.

“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” (Matthew 5:37)

2. It shifts trust from God to technique

Exaggeration often tries to manipulate emotions rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work through Scripture. This moves preaching from Spirit-led to performance-driven.

3. It can mislead believers

When stories, statistics, or miracles are exaggerated, listeners may develop:

• unrealistic expectations of God

• distorted theology

• misplaced faith in experiences rather than Scripture

4. It harms the credibility of the Church

When exaggerations are later exposed, it can:

• damage public trust in Christianity

• give critics reasons to dismiss the Gospel

• discourage sincere seekers

5. It may glorify the preacher rather than Christ

Sometimes exaggeration subtly centers the preacher (“look what happened in my ministry”) instead of exalting Jesus.

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Common Forms of Exaggeration in Preaching

• Inflating numbers (“thousands were healed”)

• Dramatic but unverified miracle stories

• Overstating personal experiences

• Making absolute claims where Scripture does not

• Turning rare events into “normative” expectations

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What should be preaching aim for instead?

Biblical preaching should be:

• Accurate — faithful to Scripture

• Humble — not self-promoting

• Clear — not sensational

• Spirit-led — not emotionally manipulative

• Christ-centered — not preacher-centered

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One helpful principle

If the Gospel needs exaggeration to be powerful, then we do not truly trust its power.

The cross itself is sufficient — it does not need embellishment.

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