Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

	After recently delivering a sermon written by my pastor, I
more fully appreciate the differences in preaching style.  I didn't
realize it before, but I have a much more conversational style of
preaching than my pastor.

	A couple things I always try to incorporate:  (a. Something of
myself, a measure of self-disclosure.  (b. Humor.  These two elements seem
to draw my listeners into what I'm saying.  And there's no use preaching
the gospel if no one is going to be listening.

	I think my preaching appeals slightly more to the emotions than
to the intellect.  However, compared to some Pentecostal preachers I've
heard, I'm a veritable Arthur Treacher! ;-}

Peace,
Richard

	I've never given a sermon myself but I've listened to quite a few.
	It's one of  the benifits of being a preachers kid. :-) One thing
	that I've found interesting is how people prepare sermons. My father
	would often get a jump on things and write one on Tuesday. Nine times
	out of ten that sermon was never delivered. God generally gave him
	an other one before the week was out. In fact I've seen him write
	several in a week and than Sunday morning write still an other one
	as he felt God leading him. I never noticed a lessining in quality
	in those last minute sermons. In fact they were among his best. 

	Some might say that that is just because of his years of experience
	(he's been preaching for almost 40 years). I'm not so sure that 
	explains it all. I do know that my step mother who was ordained in
	the last 5 years or so does have to start at midweek to be ready by
	Sunday. I haven't heard her preach so I don't know how they come out.
	But I do believe that it is more a matter of style than ability that
	expains how long she takes. She's very sharp but tends to be scholerly.

	RE: .1 My father trys to incorporate the same things you do Richard.
	As a result of years of getting used to that I tend not to appreciate
	sermons that do not incorporate humor and the preachers self into them.
	I think both make a sermon more personal. Sermons should not be a 
	lecture. Jesus didn't lecture. He related things to real people.

			Alfred

    I use the lectionary as a discipline for locating the scripture for a
    particular Sunday.  This keeps me from preaching my "favorite" sermons
    and is an aid to me as I can look several weeks ahead to the choices of
    the Word for the day.  I read the scripture weeks in advance of
    delivery.  I try to get into the life setting of the reading and also
    let my own life's setting "inform" me on the meaning, the revelation of
    God through the message.
    
    Over the weeks, as flashes come through my being, I jot down a brief
    note.  I reread the scripture; I continue to be "sensitized" to the
    stimuli around me.  
    
    During the week prior to delivery, I organize my notes (actually index
    cards) in outline form.  I work on a theme and pull a half dozen books
    from my shelves.  I write the sermon
    
    During delivery of prepared manuscript, I am often told that it is when
    I put both my hands on the pulpit and break away from the printed word
    that my message connects with the congregation.  God does wonderful
    things in those moments and somehow people's lives are touched, are
    slightly changed.
    
    My next sermon is March 22 in Shrewsbury, Vt where I will be preaching
    before a church gathering that has seen the past five pastors be let go
    over the past five years.  Old Testament is Ex 3:1-15 - seems apropos
    for a message of healing!
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    
    I've led three summer services at the Unitarian Church now, and it's
    definitely the sharing kind.  There are usually about 10-15 of us,
    and we sit in a circle.  I talk about the subject for half the time,
    then we go around and share or there are questions and answers. 
    
    Cindy

    
               I like this note!  :-)  My "style" is different than most
    Southern Baptist preachers.  I tried the "chicken walkin Bible thumpen"
    kind, but it just didn't work out for me.  I try to be as natural as I
    can be....just like I was talking to a single person.  I *ALWAYS* try
    to make "eye contact" with every person in the room at least once. 
    This gives me a more intimate connection with them as people and it
    seems to have the same effect on the congragation as well.  I also try
    to "include" them as part of the sermon...sometimes asking questions
    and expecting answers.  Thats a bit disconcerting at first but it has 
    worked out.
    
              I usually try to start thinking about the subject as far in
    advance as I can.  I memorize my outline and deliver it without notes
    or crib sheets.  This makes it a little harder but I have found that
    the holy spirit workes better thru you when there is left some room for
    the spirit to work thru you.... though it does make for some
    interesting sermons.  Often times I find myself listening to myself in
    awe and wonder at what is coming out of my mouth.  Yes...it can be
    startling! ;-)
    
    
    Dave

    
    Dave,
    
    You as a....
    
    "chicken walkin Bible thumpen" kind
    
    Now that's a scary thought!
    
    Cindy

	>My father
	>would often get a jump on things and write one on Tuesday. Nine times
	>out of ten that sermon was never delivered. God generally gave him
	>an other one before the week was out. In fact I've seen him write
	>several in a week and than Sunday morning write still an other one
	>as he felt God leading him. I never noticed a lessining in quality
	>in those last minute sermons. In fact they were among his best. 
    
    
    My bet is that they were among his best because they were the result of
    a dialog going on between your father than God from the time he
    prepared his first sermon on Tuesday!! In other words, all those
    sermons he wrote and *didn't* used made it possible for the one written
    at the last minute to be as good as it was!
    
    :)
    
    Nancy

    I like sermons that are given in a series.  I wouldn't want *just*
    that kind, but I especially appreciate them.  Does following the
    lectionary make it more difficult to do a sermon series?  I would
    think it would.