Preaching...

In October of 2009, I had a post called "Thoughts on Preaching"...it was taken from an article by Msgr. Charles Pope. It seems to be weighing heavily on his mind because I recently read another...and it's worth sharing (and NO, this is not aimed at you Rich!!!). As a note, items shown in italics are from the article, the rest are mine.

According to a recent survey, one of the many reasons people leave the church is poor preaching. Some of the reasons given are:
**Sermons are too short to develop Biblical or doctrinal themes. While no one wants the preacher to go on a long time if they don't really have something to say, a 10 minute sermon just doesn't cut it (apologies to all who feel the need to be out of church by the stroke of 12 but, too bad!!).
**Preaching takes the Word and analyzes, organizes, illustrates and applies it. It's not just a time to cheer us on with a "let's do better"!
**Teaching is often lacking...the Word must be taught and applied in memorable ways.
**There are 3 essential questions: What? So what? Now what? The "what" informs but the "so what" and "now what" aim for transformation.
**Good preaching is edgy. You know the old saying, "It comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable". Even though Christ was willing to die for what He said, many of us are not willing to suffer even "raised eyebrows" in our congregations. We must be willing to speak the truth in love even when we're talking about the difficult stuff.
**Preaching needs to be enthusiastic. Being "on fire" cannot be faked.
**Preaching is not entertainment.

This article was mainly directed at preachers/priests, but they don't carry the entire burden. The sinfulness and apathy of the congregation can cause God to withdraw His Word from the leader!

On a personal note, too many of us come to worship out of habit or to be seen or entertained. These are absolutely the wrong attitudes when approaching worship. Our hearts and ears need to be open to hear what the Lord wishes to teach us. It is not just a matter of listening to the parts that we want to hear or waiting for a pat on the back. Sermons are not meant to be "warm and fuzzy" using fluffy, feel good words. They are meant to challenge us and should be studied, prayed over, meditated about and acted on!

Next time you are in church, ask yourself...Why am I here? What do I believe? And then prepare yourself say..."Speak Lord, your servant is listening".