Preaching as art and science (2)
One of the questions I’ve been asking myself and reflecting on as I review my preaching is “what are my convictions about preaching ?“.
A simply enough question, but one that produces a complexity of answers that demand serious thought and action.
In no particular order, here are the things I would say are my convictions and non-negotiables:
1. People listening to me deserve a treasure, a diamond nugget, every time. The people of God have entrusted to me a role within our community to help them discover the riches of the Scriptures. If I spend the time, make the effort, practice the necessary disciplines of preparation, and allow the Spirit to guide, reveal and inspire, I believe this can be the case.
2. It really is all about Jesus. Whether it’s expository, thematic, narrative or impulsive, the talk should point to and lead to Jesus. I’m indebted forever to Mark Strom’s work “The Symphony of Scripture” for an understanding of this. I also picked up a great book in a second hand book shop entitled “Christ in all the Scriptures” (by A.M. Hodgkin) which is a very helpful tool. My talks must lead to an encounter with the ways, will and work of Jesus Christ.
3. It’s about understanding not information. I’m concerned with helping people have “a-ha” moments, of helping the Spirit bring revelation to people. I want people to taste and see again that the Lord is good. I am not interested in helping people gather data. I want them to process it and grasp the reality it points to.
4. It’s about Kingdom not church. I’m convinced that a major flaw of much preaching is that it talks of the Jesus life in terms of the church alone. I am all for the church. I love the church. But Jesus talked about the Kingdom. Paul is concerned with the church being Kingdom communities. And so when I talk about the implications, I want people to hear about the Kingdom, to realise that it’s about living Kingdom lives as the church.
5. Simple is beautiful. Whilst pithy introductions, clever linkages, funny/inspiring stories and examples are all important, they can get in the way of the simple beauty of the (whole) gospel. Like Paul, I am concerned with preaching Christ crucified and what that means. Some of my most well received offerings have been the simple, Jesus-centric talks without any of the extras. To that end, I live with a quote I read many years ago: “to communicate simply, you must understand profoundly”.
Over at the Sermonators dot com, we’ve been saying the same thing you said here: that preaching is both and art and a science. We even have a brief post titled as that. I think you’ve pegged some important ideas here concerning what preaching is supposed to be about. I’ve outlined my comments corresponding to the items in your post:
1. Respect for our listeners is paramount. It increases our intensity both in study and delivery and they sense it when we offer our gift. The opposite would be disdain toward our audience and they most certainly will quickly pick up on, and reject, condescension.
2. Old Testament and New, our passage will always carry the fragrance of the ONE, Jesus. So should our sermon.
3. This is so right on. Many preachers major on information, thus they only craft “explanation” to the exclusion of “illustration” and “application.” The result is a very dry, lecture-like sermon that lacks true “revelation.” We preach for transformation, let us not forget. Transformation relies on more that mere information, yes?
4. I haven’t thought of it as you put it, but you’re right. It is often “Kindgom” thinking that actually (and finally!) expands our minds beyond the four walls of our own church.
5. I would take it further… “clarity is beautiful.” Einstein said, “everything should be as simple as possible but no simpler.” One might leave out some of elements you mentioned in an effort to be simpler and make the mistake of oversimplifying. Sometimes a simple illustration can make a simple point more clear, and in preaching, clarity is paramount. Or another instance, a better intro can prep the mind and heart for a simple message. I want simple as you do; however, never at the cost of better clarity.
Where many of us can simplify is in the eradication of the multiplicity of meaningless subpoints (and even sub-sub-points) that are often designed to impress but only overwhelm the listener.
Great post.
Best to your ministry,
Scott Newton Smith
http://www.sermonators.com
Hi Scott.
Thanks for popping by and commenting.
Your clarification on point 5 is really welcomed – that’s what I was trying to say I think.
Love your blog !
Rich