Three Greek words describe what goes into effective preaching- Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. These three are necessary for means of persuasion.
1. Logos could mean the Word or content. When we stand to preach we have fully went through the exegetical process of the passage and have the author’s intent and outline.
We preach God’s Word (logos) and not our human thoughts. So content of the Word is fundamental.
2. Ethos is character or who we are. We could use the word ethics. When the preacher’s ethos backs up his logos, there will be Spirit-filled communication and the presence of God.
3. Pathos is passion. We must believe the truths we are communicating and feel a deep passion for them and desire to share them. This does not mean hollering and fuming but a deep passion as we preach.
Let me use these three words a different way. Ethos- who we are; Logos- what we say; and Pathos- how we say it.
