There is a bottom line purpose for preaching and teaching the word of God.  The goal of teaching is often seen as converting people to Christ Jesus, but this is only the beginning point.  To stop here is to fall far short of the end purpose which the Holy Spirit has set for teaching the word.  Experience is telling us that too many churches are failing to pursue this ultimate purpose for teaching the word, and this is no doubt one of the main reason why churches are failing and many congregations are drying up.  What IS the purpose for teaching the word of God?