We're all sinners. Even preachers. Everyone knows that. But how much should we reveal in the pulpit about our own struggles? In this era of self-disclosure, pastors debate whether personal revelations help the congregation or hinder them.

These preachers have very different approaches, for very good reasons.

•Todd Hahn pastors a postmodern congregation of young believers and seekers.

•Alberto Guerra pastors a suburban Hispanic church.

•Joe Stowell ministers to college student at Chicago's historic Moody Bible Institute.

Keep It Real

My audience wants me to be honest, especially about myself.

Todd Hahn

The people I preach for are mostly 20 to 35 years old, many of them not Christians, which means they are not much impressed with me.

They don't assume that I am smarter than they are, or that because I'm a pastor I'm worthy of any particular respect. They wouldn't dream of calling me anything but "Todd." And most don't need convincing that either ...