The Best Advice I've Received
July 1, 1984
The man who led me to Christ in 1936 became my pastor, and at a time when nobody talked about discipleship, he discipled me through two years of college and three of seminary. Once when discussing the pastor's administrative responsibility, he gave me this counsel: "Use ideas like seeds, not bullets." When you have a good idea, plant it in the hearts of a few people and be patient as it grows there. Later, at some official meeting, one of those people will likely present that idea as though it were his own, which puts you in the enviable position of supporting a great idea with all your influence without it seeming a personal crusade. The only price you pay: someone else gets credit for your good idea. -Richard C. Halverson Chaplain, United States Senate Washington, D.C. My preaching professor, Gwyn Walters, was reviewing a video taped sermon I'd preached to the class. I'd worked hard on the manuscript, and the tape clearly showed my dependence on it. Carefully commending my preparation, he then suggested I might view preaching like a sailboat moving across the waters rather than a train moving on steel rails. Each is moving toward a given destination, but the sailor, having plotted his course, must constantly read the wind and respond to it. While I think of that advice every week in the journey of a sermon from desk to pulpit to congregation, its application has become even wider. To listen quietly, study diligently, plan carefully-depending on the Holy Spirit at each step-is to know the adventure (and risk!) of moving with the Sovereign Wind. This dynamic helps me understand ministry day by day. -Harry J. Heintz First Presbyterian Church of Brunswick Troy, New York While at Cincinnati Bible Seminary, I held the weekend pastorate ...
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