What Happened to the Leading of the Holy Spirit?

What Happened to the Leading of the Holy Spirit?

There was a time when preachers sought the voice of the Holy Spirit before stepping onto the pulpit. They prayed, fasted, and delivered messages that convicted hearts, led sinners to repentance, and strengthened the faith of believers. But today, something has shifted. Instead of seeking the Holy Spirit’s leading, many are seeking the algorithm’s approval.

The focus has moved from winning souls to going viral. From pleasing God to pleasing followers. From preaching the truth to preaching what trends.

The Age of Clickbait Christianity

In today’s digital world, social media has given preachers a platform like never before. While technology can be a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, it has also become a snare. Many preachers now measure their impact not by transformed lives but by likes, shares, and views. They shape their sermons around what’s popular rather than what’s needed.

Instead of preaching messages that challenge sin, some pastors are more concerned about crafting content that will “engage” audiences. Sermons are filled with catchy one-liners, theatrics, and entertainment-driven content rather than the power of the Word. It’s not about delivering a message from God—it’s about creating a moment that will go viral.

Where is the Power?

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:4, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” The early church was not built on motivational speeches or viral content. It was built on the raw, unfiltered power of the Holy Spirit.

So why do we see so little of that power today? Many have replaced the Spirit’s leading with social media strategies. They seek applause over anointing. They fear losing followers more than they fear God.

Entertainment vs. Conviction

Preaching that is led by the Holy Spirit brings conviction, healing, and true transformation. It may not always be popular, but it is always powerful. John the Baptist didn’t preach to gain fans; he preached repentance. Jesus didn’t soften the truth to keep the crowds; He spoke what the Father commanded, even when it was unpopular.

The Holy Spirit leads preachers to speak truth, whether it offends or not. But today, many avoid messages about sin, hell, and repentance because they don’t “perform well” online. They prioritize engagement metrics over eternity.

A Call Back to the Spirit

It’s time to return to true Spirit-led preaching. We need men and women of God who are more concerned about souls than shares, about truth than trends. The church doesn’t need more influencers; it needs more intercessors. It doesn’t need more viral moments; it needs more visitations from the Holy Spirit.

Let’s pray for a revival—not a social media revival, but a Holy Spirit revival. Let’s pray for pastors and leaders who will stand boldly, preach truth unapologetically, and seek the approval of God, not man.

Because at the end of the day, a viral video won’t save a soul. But the gospel, preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, still will.