I’ve noticed a troubling trend: many pastors are increasingly reluctant to teach Bible prophecy and end-times events. While speaking at churches across America, I frequently hear the same concerns from fellow pastors about tackling this subject.
Yet I’m convinced that avoiding prophecy does a profound disservice to our churches, especially in these unprecedented times.
Why are so many pastors hesitant to preach on prophecy? I’ve identified several common themes in my conversations with pastors.
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First, many fear being labeled as sensationalistic or “doom and gloom” preachers. In a culture that prizes positivity and self-help messages, teaching about the Tribulation or the Antichrist might seem uncomfortably negative.
Others worry about controversy. With various interpretations of prophetic passages and timeline debates among sincere believers, some pastors prefer to avoid these topics altogether rather than potentially dividing their congregations. Many have seen how End Times teachings can become a source of unhealthy speculation or fear rather than hope and preparation.
Additionally, some pastors feel inadequately equipped to tackle prophecy’s complexities. Wrestling with the Bible’s apocalyptic imagery, complex timelines or ancient cultural contexts can be intimidating. The temptation is to stick with more straightforward passages and practical life applications.
While these concerns are understandable, I believe they pale compared to the core reasons why we must teach biblical prophecy.
Approximately 30% of Scripture deals with prophecy. When we avoid these passages, we’re neglecting nearly a third of God’s Word. How can we claim to preach “the whole counsel of God” while systematically avoiding such a significant portion of His revelation?
It’s also important that Bible prophecy isn’t primarily about predicting the future — it’s about knowing God’s character and His perfect plan for humanity. When we teach prophecy correctly, we reveal a God who is in complete control, who keeps His promises, and who is working all things together for our good and His glory. This builds faith and confidence in our congregations.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of understanding prophetic signs. In Matthew 16:3, He rebuked those who could interpret weather patterns but couldn’t discern the signs of the times. And with today’s headlines increasingly seeming to align with biblical prophecies, our congregations desperately need the prophetic lens of Scripture to make sense of world events.
Most importantly, teaching on End Times prophecy creates an eternal perspective that transforms how believers live today. When people understand that history is moving toward a God-driven culmination — that Jesus is literally returning to establish His Kingdom — it changes their priorities, choices, and sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel.
So how can pastors approach prophecy effectively? Here are five key principles I’ve learned:
First, always center on Jesus, not sensationalism. Biblical prophecy ultimately points to Christ’s return and His eternal kingdom. Keep Him as the focus, not speculation about specific details or current events. When we emphasize Jesus, prophecy becomes a source of hope and comfort rather than fear and dread.
Second, teach the clear before the controversial. Start with the major prophetic themes that most believers agree on: Christ’s return, the resurrection of believers, final judgment, and the New Heaven and Earth. Build a foundation before tackling more complicated and controversial aspects of End Times chronology.
Third, emphasize application over speculation. Help people understand how prophetic truth should impact their lives today. What does it mean to live as people expecting Christ’s return? How should prophetic understanding affect our priorities, relationships, and mission?
Fourth, maintain humility and grace toward different viewpoints. Acknowledge that sincere believers can disagree on prophetic details while they stay united on the essential truth that Jesus is coming again. Model how to hold prophetic convictions without becoming angry or divisive.
Finally, connect prophecy to God’s character and promises. Show how prophetic passages reveal God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, justice and mercy. This helps people trust Him more deeply, regardless of what the future holds.
The world is experiencing unprecedented shakings — pandemics, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and moral decay. Our churches are looking for answers and hope. Bible prophecy provides both: revealing that today’s chaos is part of God’s great plan leading to Christ’s return and the establishment of His Kingdom.
We can’t afford to keep silent any longer. Yes, we must teach prophecy wisely and carefully. But we must teach it. Our churches need the eternal perspective, the hope, and the motivation that comes from understanding Bible prophecy.
When taught properly, Bible prophecy doesn’t stoke fear — it builds faith. It doesn’t promote division — it brings unity around the blessed hope we have in Christ. It doesn’t lead to passivity but to active preparation for the greatest event in human history.
The time has come for pastors to overcome their reluctance and embrace their responsibility to teach all of God’s Word. Our churches have never needed it more.
Jimmy Evans is the founder and President of XO Marriage, a ministry that is devoted to helping couples thrive in strong and fulfilling marriages and families. Jimmy and his wife, Karen, co-host MarriageToday, a nationally syndicated television program. He also serves as an Apostolic Elder of Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas. Jimmy holds an honorary doctorate of literature from The King’s University and has authored more than seventeen books.
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