I have a pretty particular taste in preaching style and, while I certainly have not mastered the manufacture of that style when I have an opportunity to speak, I am always looking for preachers online who have that “it” factor… the kind of interesting, logical, biblically supported, relevant, unabashed style that gives you loads of insight that you never discovered and leaves you wanting loads more. I do really like Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church and Francis Chan of Cornerstone Church but, until this week, I only really noticed that special factor in two communicators… Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church and Brian Hunter of GenesisChurch.tv.

But this week, I stumbled upon a speaker that really appeals to my taste and challenges my ideas in a way I haven’t found in a while. Jerry Gillis of The Chapel at CrossPoint in the Buffalo, NY area seems to have a genuine heart for the Word and people of God, as well as a mature, reverent, practical understanding of scripture. I followed a link that someone had posted in a forum and found myself listening to a message from Gillis’ recent series, “Elephants in the Church”. I can’t seem to stay away from change and controversy and the pursuit of a fresh approach, so this set of sermons on difficult, avoided topics in the church was right up my ally. The content of the series made me recall the past Genesis series, Politically Incorrect, though the messages don’t really deal with the same issues. Gillis covered evolution, gender roles, homosexuality, alcohol, divorce, and hell using good, biblical arguments and a humble, conversational manner that kept me listening and got me thinking.

You are, as always, welcome to disagree, but I think that this guy is very good. Honestly, his style reminds me a lot of Ben Liles of GenesisChurch.tv. What else can I say? I love it. Check him out below and tell me what you think.

Like him? Check out the full series and many other videos HERE.