Here at Hampstead Baptist Church, the Bible is the foundation for everything we do and all that we are. Since this is the true, we are committed to what is called expository preaching.

What is expository preaching? Simply put, expository preaching “exposes” or “explains” what is already within the Biblical text.

Our goal in our preaching is to take a text of the Bible, explain it in its proper context, and then seek to understand how we can best apply the truths within the text to our lives.

The Apostle Paul charges a young pastor named Timothy to, “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Why did the Apostle Paul place such an emphasis on the preaching of the Word of God? Because of what the Word of God is. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The Scriptures are the very breath of God. Within their pages we find what the Apostle Peter calls the “words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Psalm 119 tells us that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light for our paths. (Psalm 119:15) Jesus, quoting from the Old Testament tells us that, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Here at Hampstead Baptist Church we emphasize and prioritize the preaching of the Bible because of what it is: The very Word of God. It is through this Word that we come to know God, learn to love God, and find our guide for how we are to live for God and for His glory. It is through the preaching of the Bible that we come to know Christ, put our faith in Him, and receive the salvation that He offers. (Luke 24:27; Romans 10:10-17)

Since these things are true, then there is no greater calling we have as a church, and as preachers, than to make these glorious truths known through the proclamation of the Scriptures.

Preaching AND Teaching

At Hampstead Baptist Church, we are not only committed to a robust preaching ministry, but we also place a strong emphasis on the teaching of the Bible.

Why are we committed to both the preaching AND teaching of the Word of God? To put it very simply, it is because that is the example we see from the Scriptures. A reading through the Gospels reveals Jesus both teaching AND preaching. The disciples we learn in Acts 5:42 followed this example, as we are told that, “they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Likewise, Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:35 were committed to “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord…”

Since we see the Word of God placing such a strong emphasis on both the preaching AND the teaching of the Scriptures, we believe that we must do the same.

There may be some that question the difference between preaching and teaching. What sets preaching apart from teaching? Aren’t they the same thing? Does it really matter whether we make this distinction or not?

Well, we believe that it does.

Preaching as opposed to teaching is a monologue and not a dialogue. In preaching, we are proclaiming the glorious truths of God as He has revealed them to us in His Word and based on the confidence that we have been given by His Spirit. It is through the power of His Spirit that we herald the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ given us throughout the Scriptures. Preaching involves teaching, but as we can hopefully see it also goes beyond teaching.

Teaching as opposed to preaching is often a discussion involving two or more people. Teaching is more systematic in nature as it explains and works through various issues and the complexities that are found in the Bible. Teaching is not always preaching.

As we have stated, both preaching and teaching are commended by the Scriptures and as such, both preaching and teaching are needed in the church. Therefore, we at Hampstead Baptist Church are committed to preaching the Bible and teaching the Bible, and providing our people with many opportunities to learn from, be equipped by, and to be exhorted and encouraged through the Word of God.