Gilbert Tennent and “The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry” (1740)

On March 8, 1740, Gilbert Tennent (1703–1764), a colonial Presbyterian revivalist and pastor, preached a sermon that became one of the most influential—and controversial—messages of the Great Awakening: “The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry.” Delivered when many churches were divided over revival preaching, Tennent warned that a minister may speak orthodox words while lacking the inward life of grace. Such preaching, he argued, can leave congregations spiritually underfed, with hearers learning forms of religion but not the power of godliness.

Tennent’s burden was not novelty but new birth. He urged listeners to test themselves, not by outward morality alone, but by true repentance and living faith in Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). He pressed the duty of prayerful discernment: to seek pastors who preach Christ plainly, pursue holiness, and speak with spiritual warmth flowing from personal communion with God.

Context: The Great Awakening and Contested Revival

The Great Awakening (1730s–1740s) stirred colonial churches through intense preaching on sin, grace, and conversion. Supporters welcomed the awakenings as God’s mercy; critics feared disorder, emotionalism, and disrespect for established ministers. Tennent, trained in a rigorous piety shaped by revival influences, spoke with fearless zeal—heroism not of sword or crown, but of conscience bound to God’s Word. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you… not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2). His sermon rebuked complacency and called for shepherds who watch over souls as those who must give account.

Printing, Controversy, and the Old Side–New Side Schism

Soon printed and widely circulated, the sermon sharpened opposition to revivalism and helped ignite the Old Side–New Side division within American Presbyterianism. The “Old Side” emphasized order and caution toward revival methods; the “New Side” stressed experimental religion, conversion, and the necessity of heartfelt preaching. The breach was later healed in 1758, but Tennent’s message continued to echo as a warning against spiritual professionalization.

Lasting Significance

The sermon’s enduring call is sober and hopeful: pray for pastors who know Christ, and examine the heart before God. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Where ministers and people alike seek the Lord sincerely, the church is strengthened with repentance, courage, and gospel power.