Preaching (Epilogue)
I appreciate greatly the gracious remarks from all those who’ve commented and especially grateful for the posts of my ghost writers. It felt something like a living funeral so it’s time to get back to reality and have some nonsensical comments. Greg & Cecil, I trust you will lead the way. I wanted to conclude this installment on preaching with some random thoughts and general rambling.
The trauma of the bobbie pin incident aside, I’ve never been much of a "stand in the back after service" kind of preacher. I find it an exercise in false modesty and forced affirmation. Yes, I realize it is an effective method to shake a lot of hands but it fails to provide any venue for dialog or discussion. The first person that stops to say anything besides "good sermon preacher" clogs up the line and the rest of the relieved congregants quietly escape unscathed. You can see those looks directed at the person who stopped to talk with the preacher and thus allowing everyone else to exit. In their expression you can hear the words, "Thanks for taking one for the team!" I would much rather some one seek me out to dialog about the message than to stand in the back and feel like a person is compelled to say something nice. The upside, of course, is that a few years of standing in the back preps you for a fall back career as a flight attendant. Preachers must be secure in their calling and in their presentation that they not feel compelled to rush to the back for an ego stroke.
If the preacher delivers a good message speak to him / her personally and go beyond the "it was a good sermon." Share with the speaker specifics that caused you to think, made you want to take the words of the text seriously and apply them to your life. If you have questions about a sermon talk to the speaker about it. If you disagree with the speaker the right thing to do is to make an appointment and be gracious with your words.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve delivered a message that I thought went nowhere only to have several people find me later and talk about how specific things in that message were exactly what they needed to hear. I’ve also delivered what I thought were spectacular messages only to find out the response of my trusted informants to be "it was ok." There might not be a phrase that I detest more than "it was ok."
Preparation and Prayer is the key to a message that speaks for God and touches the hearts of the hearers. Without either you might as well be on stage reading from "Field & Stream" or "Stop Wasting My Time Quarterly." Preparation and prayer are to a message as peanut butter is to jelly. They go hand in hand and you must have the adequate amount of each ingredient. Before each delivery a pray something like "God help to say only the things you want me to say. Make me forget to say those things that come only from me and not from you."
You may be a gifted orator but the message from God is not about your gift as an orator. The message is about the word from God to those who will hear. I’m embarrassed and ashamed when I find myself believing more in my giftedness and less in mystery of God speaking through me. It is quite evident to all - even in the midst of delivery - when the cart is before the horse.
In conclusion (your cue to reach for a songbook) don’t shy away from the difficult texts and don’t create a pompous air about you that you know everything. If you struggle or wrestle with the passage be honest about that. If you struggle with the application of the text be honest about that. Quit telling stories that make you look good and make you appear to be a spiritual super-hero. No one, and I mean no one, will listen to a pompous, egotistical, self-superior speaker. Preaching for some is simply an excuse to extol their inflated personal virtues. You don’t need the church to show up to hear you go on about yourself In the spirit of Forrest Gump, that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
So, go on, do something productive and worthwhile today as we stand and sing . . .
8 Responses to “Preaching (Epilogue)”
Thanks for sharing all of these thoughts, Randy. You really have to meet my friend, Chris. Y’all’d hit it off.
Is that the proper use of the contraction?
You are too funny!
I can identify with disliking that phrase “it’s ok.” But what I try never to say to a preacher and hate to hear anyone else say is “I enjoyed the sermon.” I deserve the 20 lashes with the proverbial noodle if I ever say that to anyone. I may have told you I enjoyed meeting you, but I sure hope I didn’t say I enjoyed the sermon.
I’m glad I know you, Dr. Wray.
Preach On! Preach On!
Well, at your request, I will admit that I was sorely tempted yesterday to ask just how much it cost you to have those two “ghost-writers” say such good things about you? And, why didn’t you ask me for my testimony to the Randy Wray Ministry??? I could use some extra $$.
I am with you on not standing at the back / front (as the case may be) door to greet people. That wasn’t very popular with some people who always sat in the back and would rather die than walk to the front to speak to me! I would try to “make my rounds” before the assembly began and speak to as many as I could, but refused to station myself at any given place and force people to shake hands and say something to me.
Enjoyed the series. Now on the Chipper stuff!! as you promised.
i’ll always wanted to hear “as we sit and sing” just to see how people would react. but then, i’ve been accused of being irreverent at times…
i, too, am curious regarding the going rate for ‘ghost writers’…more, i’m wondering if i can afford one.
You forgot one thing…you have to actually care about the people you are speaking to.
You can’t fool the audience, we always knew you loved us!
No nonsensical comments here or at least any intended. I appreciate you taking us on this journey and you need to come out with a Handbook for preachers.
I left a church where the preacher’s favorite saying was, “We need to understand.” I always took that as he understood it and we needed to catch up.
Thanks, Randy. I prepare hard, but don’t pray about it like you mentioned. I am, no doubt, the poorer for it.
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