Meaning: The quote "To preach the Gospel requires that the preacher should believe that he is sent to those whom he is addressing at the moment, because God has among them those whom He is at the moment calling; it requires that the speaker should expect a response" by Roland Allen, a clergyman, encapsulates the essence of effective preaching and evangelism. This quote emphasizes the essential elements of effective communication of the Gospel – belief in the divine calling to the specific audience, and the expectation of a response.

Firstly, the quote emphasizes the importance of belief on the part of the preacher. It highlights the necessity for the preacher to have a strong conviction that they are sent by God to the particular audience they are addressing. This belief is rooted in the understanding that God has among the audience those whom He is calling at that very moment. This belief is not only a foundational aspect of effective preaching but also serves as a source of motivation and confidence for the preacher.

Additionally, the quote underscores the significance of expecting a response from the audience. Effective preaching involves more than delivering a message; it involves engaging with the listeners and anticipating a reaction. The preacher's expectation of a response reflects a genuine desire for the Gospel message to resonate with the audience and prompt a meaningful reaction, whether it be a spiritual awakening, a change in perspective, or a commitment to faith.

Roland Allen, the author of the quote, was a missionary and Anglican cleric known for his influential writings on the principles of missionary work and evangelism. His perspectives were shaped by his experiences as a missionary in China and East Africa, and his observations of the effectiveness of indigenous leadership in spreading the Gospel. Allen advocated for a more decentralized and culturally sensitive approach to missionary work, emphasizing the importance of empowering local leaders and communities to propagate the Gospel within their own cultural contexts.

In the context of Allen's missionary work and writings, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of his belief in the universal relevance of the Gospel message and the need for an inclusive and responsive approach to preaching. It aligns with his emphasis on the role of local communities in the dissemination of the Gospel and the necessity for missionaries to recognize and respect the spiritual receptivity of different cultural groups.

The quote also resonates with the broader theological concept of divine calling and the belief in the transformative power of the Gospel. It echoes the biblical notion of being "sent" to proclaim the Good News, as exemplified in passages such as the Great Commission in the New Testament. The expectation of a response reflects the biblical understanding of the Gospel as a message that has the potential to elicit a spiritual response and bring about a change of heart and mind.

Furthermore, the quote carries implications for contemporary Christian ministry and evangelism. It challenges preachers and evangelists to approach their work with a deep sense of purpose and conviction, recognizing the divine calling to reach out to specific individuals and communities. It calls for a relational and responsive approach to communication, one that goes beyond mere proclamation to fostering genuine engagement and dialogue with the audience.

In conclusion, Roland Allen's quote encapsulates the essential elements of effective preaching and evangelism, emphasizing the importance of belief in divine calling and the expectation of a response from the audience. It reflects Allen's missionary perspective and his advocacy for a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach to spreading the Gospel. Moreover, it resonates with the biblical understanding of the transformative power of the Gospel message and carries implications for contemporary Christian ministry and evangelism. Ultimately, the quote serves as a reminder of the profound responsibility and privilege of sharing the Gospel and the expectation of a meaningful response to the message of hope and redemption.