Instead of preaching and pastoral care that is evangelical—that is, an application of the cross of Jesus Christ to save sinners—preaching and pastoral care have become therapeutic. That is, they seek to solve people’s problems, make them happier, and alleviate any emotional or mental suffering. “Preachers try to prop up our self-esteem with optimistic blandishments,” says Forde. “The church becomes primarily a support group rather than the gathering of the body of Christ where the word of the cross and the resurrection is proclaimed and heard.”18
