Preaching the Landmark Sermon
Jack Hayford
Strong leaders are known for their landmark sermons.
— Jack Hayford Whatever a pastor's position on wine drinking, it's not hard to marshal proof texts. I believe a case can be made either way. Although it's a controversial subject, several years ago I needed to deal directly with the subject with our Servants Council, a group of several hundred key people in our congregation. As I wrestled with the issue in my study, I felt the internal pressure of being responsible for these leaders and their influence on our whole congregation. They needed a shepherd-like spirit instilled in them for rightly guiding all whom they taught and touched. This had to be explained in a loving way, rather than legalistically. My heart whispered, You better help them see this clearly. Most of our people are going to decide what's right and wrong based on what you say and how you act. I also was concerned with external pressure, about the larger Christian community, that others might pass judgment on me. I could hear some saying, "Hayford is soft on drinking" (for not outof-hand declaring a teetotaling stance) or "Hayford is a legalist" (because I concerned myself with the issue). Strong leaders are known for their landmark sermons (and sometimes lynched for them). Landmark sermons are the defining moments of a church and a pastor. Without them there are no boundaries, no rallying points, no banners in the sand; there is nothing to communicate vision and goals, policies and practices, beliefs and standards. Like Joshua's landmark recitation of the law with its blessings and curses at Mount Ebal, landmark sermons are memorable, weighty, conclusive, directive, never inconspicuous. After hearing them, the congregation feels that a line has been drawn in ...
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