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It sounds like I could keep him happy by keeping it simple and passionate. Who needs all of those proof texts, cross references and complex explanations when I can have eye contact and urgency
Your position has some merit if your congregation consists of highly mature Christians and you take steps to keep it that way. I'd recommend a partnership with another congregation to serve those in the area less mature in the faith.It seems like the drift of his overall advice, on this list, is to make sure the sermon is simple because people are incapable of digesting it, if you do not.
I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
I don't know the man either. However, I don't find this list too helpful. It seems like the drift of his overall advice, on this list, is to make sure the sermon is simple because people are incapable of digesting it, if you do not. The OP asked "what are your thoughts?" and I simply shared my opinion of the list.
I went to a non-denom church for a while who were reformed and the pastor said he thought that talking down to the congregation was insulting to their intelligence. He said he taught up instead that he would explain big theological thoughts and high academic truths but then share it with clarity and precision so the common layman could understand it. I love this approach.
I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
Agreed. A sermon is not a lecture. Someone who speaks while thinking this is not a preacher.I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
No, there's something two-way about preaching... even if it's just the congregation responding with an "amen." The preacher needs to be emotionally engaged with what he's saying.
What can a preacher do to make sure that he does not get through? We have considered four areas and have come up with four golden rules:
1. Ethos [Ethical appeal]: Keep your distance from people!
2. Pathos [Emotional appeal]: Show no feeling!
3. Logos [Logical appeal]: Do not work too hard!
4. Dunamis [Supernatural accompaniment]: Ignore this dimension altogether!
I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
No, there's something two-way about preaching... even if it's just the congregation responding with an "amen." The preacher needs to be emotionally engaged with what he's saying.
Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the Word preached?
A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend
upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by
the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of
mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts,
and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.
I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
No, there's something two-way about preaching... even if it's just the congregation responding with an "amen." The preacher needs to be emotionally engaged with what he's saying.
I disagree. If a sermon is prepared to be delivered, why would it change if there are 10 people quietly digesting the material or 100 people saying AMEN? Isn't that playing the crowd/emotionalism?
I find that too much emphasis is put on technique. A sermon is a lecture. It is one way communication, not two way.
No, there's something two-way about preaching... even if it's just the congregation responding with an "amen." The preacher needs to be emotionally engaged with what he's saying.
I disagree. If a sermon is prepared to be delivered, why would it change if there are 10 people quietly digesting the material or 100 people saying AMEN? Isn't that playing the crowd/emotionalism?
Rich,
I think you're hearing something I'm not saying. All I'm saying is that the Word should have an effect on the one preaching (including upon his emotions), and that will inevitably show up when he preaches. Now, that will show up in a different manner, depending on the preacher, but preaching is not lecturing. Moreover, it is not only one-way communication. Yes, the teaching flows from preacher to congregation, but the congregation engages with the text and with the preacher. One biblical example of this is Israel's response of "Amen! Amen!" at the reading of the law in Nehemiah 8. (Rev. Glaser's mention of the duties required of those who hear in WLC 160 is pertinent as well.)
There's also a difference between interacting with one's congregation and "playing to the crowd," as there is between showing emotion while one preaches and emotionalism. A fine line sometimes, but it's there nonetheless.