Proclaimer Blog
The preacher’s Bible
I once heard the Seattle pastor (whose name we don't seem to mention so much now) make a very helpful observation for pastors. Get yourself a good preaching Bible. I have often thought about this, and I guess to some extent it depends on your preaching style, but if you're the kind of pastor who likes to have a Bible in hand (either all the time or from time to time), it's worth some thought. Here are some observations:
- Obviously you want to have a Bible in the translation your church is using. But that's not quite as simple as it sounds. I think you want to have a Bible in the exact version your church is using – e.g. it may confuse people if you're preaching from a US English ESV and the church Bibles are anglicised. Little things may distract from your sermon. If you can get a Bible with the same pagination, then all well and good. The new UK's NIVs do this very well.
- Try to avoid a red letter Bible – there are theological reasons for this, but I don't want to make that point now. They can also be hard to read in less than perfect light. Black type is easier to scan, pick up and see in all kinds of light conditions.
- Avoid a Bible that is too heavy. Your arm will drop off. In fact, you don't need one with cross references etc – not for preaching.
- Go for 10 point text or more. Otherwise you will find it a strain.
- Leather is nice but not necessary. If you want a softback you get sometimes get tru-tone Bibles which fold back easily and are relatively durable. If you prefer a hardback you are onto a significant saving.
- Curiously some leather is very stiff and not very forgiving. This is especially true of bonded leather. For example, the new NIV leather is a very stiff cover and is OK for holding Bible open, but if you're after "floppiness" it won't do.
All of this assumes, of course, that you're choosing your Bible for substance not style. It's not just a "nice thing" – it's the word of God and you want to choose a version that will aid the preaching of the word of God.
Generally, the best Bibles are also the most expensive. It's a sad fact. The best UK bindings are, without doubt, RL Allan's. You'll need a few bob, though. However, for something that will last and be comfortable in hand, there's little to beat it.