Cathartic vs. Prophetic Preaching

by Rev. Travis Norton, Pinnacle West Associate

The Difference Between Prophetic and Cathartic Preaching

I watch a lot of news—definitely too much. And as I watch, I find myself frustrated and worried about the state of the world. When I sit down to write a sermon, I feel the urge to pour all that anger, angst, and concern into my message. I have a platform. I have an audience. It would feel good to use my sermon as an outlet to unload my emotions. It would be cathartic.

I’ve seen preachers give in to this temptation. They take to the pulpit and release their anxieties. They justify their approach under the guise of courageous, prophetic preaching. But there is a significant difference between preaching that is prophetic and preaching that is cathartic—and pastors must know the distinction.

Prophetic Preaching vs. Cathartic Preaching

Prophetic preaching arises from Scripture, while cathartic preaching arises from the preacher’s emotions. Both may feel like Jeremiah’s fire:

"If I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” — Jeremiah 20:9

However, the difference is profound: Prophetic preaching points to God and moves people toward action, while cathartic preaching is like deflating a balloon—it releases emotions but fails to inspire the congregation.

Cathartic preaching leaves the congregation saying,  "Well, now I know how the preacher feels about that."

Prophetic preaching leads them to say,  "I now know what God is calling me to do."

Cathartic preaching tends to identify an enemy—someone else who is responsible for the problem. In contrast, prophetic preaching often reveals our own complicity and calls us to repentance and loving action.

How to Avoid Catharsis in Preaching

To prevent the pulpit from becoming a personal therapy session, preachers need healthy outlets for their emotions:

• Find a trusted space to process – Venting and sharing frustrations should happen outside the congregation, with friends, mentors, or counselors.

• Engage with opposing viewpoints – Having wise voices who challenge your perspective helps refine your thoughts and identify your biases. 

• Seek guidance from mentors, coaches, or spiritual directors – They can help you differentiate between personal emotions and the true message of Scripture.

Returning to the Basics of Exegetical Preaching

• What was Scripture saying to its original hearers?

• How is God using this text to speak to you, the preacher?

• Does this passage parallel current issues?

• What is God doing in this story?

These questions help pastors stay grounded in what Scripture is saying, rather than allowing their emotions to take over.

Pray for Clarity & Humility

Ask God:

• What do my people need to hear?

• Am I being swayed by personal emotions or a need to vent?

• Am I willing to preach what God says—even if it has nothing to do with the political storms of the day?

• Do I have selfish motives that need to be surrendered before preaching?

Preaching should call people to grow in faith and partner with God to remake the world, not simply serve as an emotional release for the preacher.

We all need catharsis—a place to vent and process our concerns about the world. But that place is not the pulpit. Our congregation needs more than our personal frustrations; they need truth spoken in love.

God has entrusted us with the task of delivering His message in a way that transforms hearts. May our faithfulness in preaching be a key part of His ongoing work.