journal of pentecostal theology 24 (2015) 117-135 © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi 10.1163/17455251-02401010 brill.com/pent * Adam G. White (PhD, Macquarie University) is Lecturer in New Testament at Alphacrucis College, Parramatta, Australia. Not in Lofty Speech or Media: A Reflection on Pentecostal Preaching in Light of 1 Cor 2:1–5 Adam White* 30 Cowper St, Parramatta nsw, Australia Adam.white@ac.edu.au Abstract Pentecostalism is perhaps best known for its charismatic worship and preaching, which are part of the reason for its continued growth and influence. Sunday services are often an experience of lights, music, multimedia, and inspiring preaching. Such a service is not out of place in a culture that has the highest expectation when it comes to entertainment and media. However, in this pursuit of excellence, we also create the potential for divisions akin to these seen in the Corinthian Christian community. This paper explores modern Pentecostal liturgy, and especially preaching, in light of Paul’s mini testimony in 1 Cor. 2.1–5. Keywords preaching – Pentecostal liturgy – first-century oratory – declamation – 1 Corinthians – Paul Introduction As an ordained minister and pastor in the Australian Christian Churches as well as a Lecturer in New Testament at our denomination’s national college, I am continually challenged by the disparity between what takes place in the Pentecostal pulpit and the college lecture room. What I mean is it is often the case that a Pentecostal sermon is scripturally or theologically anaemic and