It has been my privilege to be the Preacher-in-Residence for the Iowa Preachers Project. In addition to our quarterly in-person gatherings, the cohort meets monthly online to discuss aspects of the proclamatory task.
Here is a conversation I had with them.
Summary
This conversation delves into the intricacies of preaching, focusing on the speaker's personal process, the role of commentaries, the decision to move away from the lectionary, and the importance of context in sermons. It also addresses the challenges of preaching in a politically charged environment and offers insights for new preachers on defining the gospel and developing their unique voice. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of preaching, discussing the challenges they face, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of personal stories in engaging sermons. They explore the balance between sharing personal experiences and maintaining the focus on the message, as well as the process of sermon preparation and the integration of life experiences into preaching.
Takeaways
Preaching requires a deep engagement with scripture and context.
Moving away from the lectionary allows for deeper exploration of biblical texts.
Commentaries can sometimes limit a preacher's ability to read scripture Christologically.
The gospel is fundamentally a promise based on the resurrection of Jesus.
Preachers must navigate political contexts with sensitivity and awareness.
Sermons should provide hope and context for congregants' lives.
New preachers should embrace their journey and growth in preaching.
Effective preaching invites belief and engagement with the good news.
The process of sermon preparation is integral to a preacher's discipleship.
Preaching should not be reduced to thematic series disconnected from scripture. What's hardest for me is receiving affirmation or love.
I would be perfectly content to swoop in and disappear.
I've learned about controlled vulnerability in preaching.
It's uncomfortable to draw attention to oneself in the pulpit.
We all have personal struggles that may or may not be helpful to share.
Learning from mistakes is crucial in preaching.
Sermons that never touch life are boring.
You have to spend enough time with scripture to understand its complexities.
Sermon preparation is a primary aspect of my devotional life.
True and beautiful things should find their way into sermons.
Sound Bites
"What's your process for preaching?"
"I don't preach from the lectionary anymore."
"I think the gospel is a promise."
"You have to name the elephant in the room."
"God loves being our God."
"Convey it in a way that invites belief."
"What's hardest for you in preaching?"
"I want to zero in on that with you."
"It was uncomfortable."
"We all have things that we're going through."
"Learning from mistakes is important."
"Sermons that never touch life are boring."
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