I write this post not merely as a theological observer, but as someone who lived through the very errors I now aim to expose. For several years, I sat under a form of hyper-Calvinistic experiential preaching that, while well-intentioned, ultimately confused my soul and, I believe, hindered many from entering the Kingdom. It emphasized delay over decision, feeling over faith, and introspection over Christ.
The goal of this post is not to attack experiential preaching. In fact, I believe in it deeply when it is done biblically. But I also want to name the danger zones where this kind of preaching can lead people not toward Christ, but away from Him. Along the way, I’ll be referencing trusted voices: the Scriptures, historical confessions like the Canons of Dort, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession, as well as pastors like Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, and others who knew the difference between Spirit-filled preaching and spiritual confusion.
What Is Healthy Experiential Preaching?
When done rightly, experiential preaching brings truth to bear on the soul. It does not aim for emotional manipulation or mystical experience. Rather, it takes sound doctrine and applies it personally, with warmth and depth. It shows what it means to believe, to repent, to trust, to suffer, and to find joy in Christ. It engages the conscience and affections not instead of the mind, but alongside it.
As Joel Beeke explains, experiential preaching “must not only explain the Word but drive it home to the heart.”
In healthy hands, experiential preaching magnifies Christ, not the preacher. It offers the gospel freely. It comforts the weak. It does not leave people waiting for inner impressions but points them to Christ crucified, risen, and reigning.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Preaching
No biblical preacher denies the Spirit’s role. In fact, the Holy Spirit is essential to true experiential preaching. He convicts of sin (John 16:8), illumines the truth (John 16:13), and glorifies Christ (John 16:14). But He does this through the Word, not apart from it.
“The Spirit and the Word must be joined together; the Word is the sword of the Spirit.”
— William Gurnall
“We believe that this Holy Scripture contains the will of God completely and that everything one must believe to be saved is sufficiently taught in it.”
— Belgic Confession, Article 7
We must not pit the Spirit against the Scriptures. He does not whisper secret messages into our hearts. He brings Christ near through the gospel already proclaimed.
A Longstanding Struggle: These Errors Are Not New
Throughout church history, pastors have wrestled with how to stir the heart without losing the truth. The Puritans sometimes fell into excessive introspection. The Marrow Brethren in 18th-century Scotland were accused of preaching too freely, while their opponents fell into legalistic preparationism. Jonathan Edwards walked carefully between Spirit-filled revival and shallow emotionalism.
“The promise of the gospel is that whoever believes in Christ crucified shall not perish but have eternal life. This promise… ought to be announced and declared without differentiation or discrimination to all nations and people.”
— Canons of Dort, II.5
We are not the first to navigate these waters. But we must be just as careful.
Five Danger Zones of Experiential Preaching
1. Mysticism: When the voice of God becomes subjective
Mysticism arises when preachers suggest that God speaks to individuals through impressions, sensations, or inner whispers not tied to the Word. Hearers begin to say, “I’m waiting for God to apply this message to my soul” before responding.
As Charles Spurgeon says, we are not saved by feelings but by faith.
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17)
“The grace of faith… is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word.”
— 2LBC, Chapter 14.1
2. Introspection: When the gospel turns inward
While self-examination has its place (2 Corinthians 13:5), it must not replace the gospel. Some preaching encourages endless inner digging for signs of grace but offers no clear view of Christ.
“For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ.”
— Robert Murray M’Cheyne
“You will never find comfort by looking at your prayers, your doings, or your feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what you are, that gives rest to the soul.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“True faith is not only a sure knowledge… but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel.”
— Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 21
3. Charismaticism: When feelings replace Scripture
Some experiential preachers confuse spiritual power with emotional drama. Tears, passion, and energy become substitutes for biblical clarity and depth.
“The moment you begin to rely on your own experience or emotion rather than the Word of God, you are in a dangerous place.”
— Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)
4. Hyper-Calvinism: When God’s sovereignty overshadows His invitation
This error withholds the gospel call until a person shows signs of election. The gospel becomes an offer in theory, but not in practice.
“There is no inconsistency in preaching God’s sovereignty and offering Christ freely to all.”
— John Murray
“The elect in due time, though in various degrees… attain the assurance of this their eternal and unchangeable election.”
— Canons of Dort, I.12
Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)
5. Preparationalism: When conviction becomes a prerequisite for grace
Preparationalism insists on a certain depth of sorrow or law-work before someone is “qualified” to come to Christ. But the gospel is never earned—not even by tears.
“You must come to Christ some time—some day; why not now? The longer you stay away, the less chance there is of your coming at all.”
— J.C. Ryle
“The Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ… and no longer looks for anything apart from Him.”
— Belgic Confession, Article 22
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat (Isaiah 55:1)
A Word to Preachers and Hearers
If you are a preacher, I encourage you to speak to the heart, but always bring your hearers to Christ. Apply the truth warmly and clearly. Do not leave people waiting for an undefined experience. Point them to the crucified Saviour.
If you are a hearer, know that you do not need to wait for a feeling or inner light to come to Christ. If the gospel is preached to you, the invitation has already been given. Come now.
To those who have been burdened by these errors, I want to say there is freedom in the truth. And for those who have unknowingly preached in these ways, there is grace for you too.
“What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.”
— Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1
This is what experiential preaching should point us to. Not to ourselves, but to Him.
