Today the term “Bully Pulpit” describes a person who stands before a group or congregation to lambaste them about faults, failures, or mistakes. He then chastises them into submission to his way of thinking on a particular matter. Thus a “Bully Pulpit” invokes the picture of a bull crashing through a china shop.

I don’t debate some preachers  beat down God’s people when they should proclaim the Gospel. Some even say, “I don’t feel like I’ve been to church if I haven’t had my toes stepped on,” as if they expect to get Bible whipped a little. But such a concept is contrary to Heb 10:25 and the origination of the term.

Teddy Roosevelt was fond of saying, “Bully for you!” when he wanted to affirm someone. “Bully” was his way of saying… “Good for you!” It became the phrase of the day when one wanted to rejoice or celebrate with someone else.

While there will always be preachers who misuse the sacred time to deliver a message from God, it is proper… right… and good for God’s man to use it as a “Bully Pulpit” in the historic and proper use of the term. As God allows, I will always preach Scripture in a Roosevelt “Bully” manner.

Sunday… after the message… tell your pastor, “Bully for you Pastor!” then watch his response.