Having Something to Say
Haddon Robinson
Sermon ideas ignite when the flint of people's problems strikes the steel of God's Word.
— Haddon Robinson Preaching well is hard work. We're expected to be witty, warm, and wise. And then next week, we have to do it again. The great science fiction writer H. G. Wells reportedly said most people think only once or twice in a lifetime, whereas he had made an international reputation by thinking once or twice a year. Lots of pastors have to think once (or more) a week! More often than we would like to admit, we begin preparing a sermon with the feeling not that we have something to say but that we have to say something. Only one time in twenty do I start a sermon with the feeling that this sermon is going well. The creative process is accompanied with a feeling of ambiguity, uncertainty, of trying to make the unknown known. Like the homemaker whose goal of three nutritious meals a day is complicated by toddlers making messes, demands of a part-time job, overflowing baskets of laundry, and a phone that won't stop ringing, the multiple demands of pastoral life make fresh thinking and sermon writing even more difficult. People never die at convenient times. The administrative load preoccupies pastors with scores of details that won't go away. Emotional weariness from dealing with people problems drains creative energies. And speaking several times weekly outstrips a person's capacity to assimilate truth fully into one's life. Just as savvy homemakers find resourceful ways to feed their families — a deft combination of ten-minute recipes, healthy snacks, a microwave special, and a few full-course evening feasts — pastors, too, can find ways to keep tasty and balanced spiritual meals on the table. Distinct Phases
When we feel we don't ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
