From the moment I conclude one sermon, I’m thinking about the next. Sound like an obsession? I think it is! And quite frankly, I’m not the least bit interested in finding “a cure”. I love speaking for Jesus. I’m honored and humbled to do so.
The older I get; the more aware I have become of the peculiar nature of this thing we call preaching and the peculiar nature of the preaching life. There is nothing quite like it. For instance I've learned . . .
I must prepare as if it all depends on the preacher. (which of course, it does not.) Prep takes time. Short cuts are notoriously dangerous. I must do my best and bring my best every week.
I must preach as if it all depends on Jesus (which, of course, it most certainly does!) Thus the role of prayer in the preaching life.
I must study the Scriptures diligently in order to be declared by the Spirit, as approved. (see Paul’s advice to Timothy 4:1-16)
I must preach knowing Jesus approval is more than enough. (congregational approval is appreciated but can’t be predicated).
I must avoid the temptation of weighing my effectiveness by the visible responses I may or may not see from my congregation. (some will believe the gospel and some will mock my messages . . . and me. Disappointing, yes. To be expected? Yes)
I must preach with urgency because there is a lot at stake. (more now than ever I suppose).
I must preach from a particular, long range vision . . . Jesus’ vision . . . a kingdom sized vision . . . toward the Spirit’s creation of a loving, caring, praying community. (Brueggeman writing: “The preacher must have a larger vision of what a sermon intends to do, so that there is a long-term strategy about the human predicament and the evangelical possibility that are juxtaposed in the sermon.”)
I must realize my preaching will “improve” only in proportion to my capacity to love God and love all persons. The transformation of my heart (ortho-cardia) will transform my preaching (ortho-doxy and ortho-paxis) just as Wesleyan-Holiness doctrines are built upon a theology of love, Wesleyan-Holiness preaching must leak from a preachers heart and lips as agape expressed.
Does all of this sound rather peculiar to you? It does to me. William Willimon is right. Preaching is peculiar speech. I would like to add that preachers can be a peculiar people. The preaching life is a rather peculiar way to conduct one’s life I suppose. Seriously, all that time and effort for one little measly 30 minute speech. (or, on a day when (I’m not as well- prepared, 40 minutes!)
Yep . . . it’s peculiar and I love it.
(At the time of this writing, I am scheduled to preach again in 8 hours. Hot-diggity!)
