Prophetic Preaching Doesn't Thunder—It Weeps

In this exchange on Day1 Classics Episode #4193, Rev. Dr. Tom Long—renowned preaching professor and theologian—joins host Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime to reflect on the soul of prophetic preaching. Rather than associating the prophetic voice with thunder and judgment, they explore how the true prophet weeps. Dr. Long shares how the calling to preach prophetically means laying bare the ache between God’s vision for the world and our present brokenness.

Watch the Clip

Full Transcript

Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime

I was remembering, and Tom, I'm going to throw back at you really lovely quotes of yours that I've loved over the years. And here's one: "Prophetic preaching often doesn't thunder, it weeps. It laments the brokenness, even as it refuses to give up on people."

Which is the opposite of what we usually think about. Prophet, like, well, Prophet's going to wag his finger at us and say, here's what you did wrong. But no.

Rev. Dr. Tom Long

No, the Prophet lays out God's vision for what creation and humanity should be, and then points out the way that humanity is and weeps about the difference.

Reflection Section

This brief but powerful clip reminds us that prophetic preaching is not primarily about condemnation—it is about compassion. The prophet doesn’t merely announce judgment but grieves the gap between what is and what should be. For those called to preach, teach, or lead, this perspective offers a faithful corrective to the temptation of self-righteous proclamation.

As we consider how to bring this spirit into our own pulpits and classrooms, we are left with questions worth sitting with:

• How might my preaching reflect not just God’s truth, but God’s tenderness?
• When I speak prophetically, do I grieve the brokenness—or merely condemn it?
• What does it mean to “refuse to give up on people” in our divided world?

Link to Full Sermon Transcript

Explore Rev. Dr. James A. Wharton’s full sermon from Day1 Classics episode 4193 >>>

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