Preaching as a catalyst for moving a congregation from fear to joy

Joy, a fruit of the Spirit, is substantially lacking in many worshipers today. The author of this paper argues that preaching can be a catalyst for moving a congregation from fear to joy. Preachers have the opportunity to proclaim the Word of God so that through the power of the Holy Spirit transformation occurs and faith is deepened. Preaching that intentionally focuses on moving the hearers from fear to joy, using different genres that promote a joyful type of sermon does produce a response indicative of less fear and more joyful living evidenced by the actions/words of the hearers.