I picked this up from Joe Thorn, and I think it is worth your time as a preacher to hear what Mark Driscoll has to say on this sticky subject. Driscoll has come under alot of scrutiny because of his offensive and crude language at times–especially in his early years of ministry–but he is not alone. Even John Piper, the reknowned pastor of Bethelehem Baptist Church recently apologized for his choice to use offensive language at a college conference (see his apology here and Wayne Grudem’s response here and Tim Challies’ comments on both here). Pastors and preachers, the necessity always exists for us to speak the word of God contextually and powerfully, but let us examine our motives closely if we choose to use strong languge as God’s mouthpiece. Are you saying something that you truly believe would have come from the mouth of the Christ?
