 |  Good stewardship of the unending source.
Fall 2002
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Sunday's Comin'
October 1, 2002
Only those who have done time behind a pulpit understand this: the worst part of Sunday morning is standing at the door after the service. Sermons come from the soul. Thus, to deliver a sermon is to reveal our innermost parts in front of the entire congregation. By the time preachers get to the pulpit, the text has already beaten us up, and consoled and renewed us in the grace of God. So when we look out and say, "Hear the Word of the Lord," we really believe it has the power to change lives. Then after delivering this sacred message, we stand at the door smiling, with our souls still hanging out.
Here's one of the preacher's great secrets that people in the pews don't know: we hope they won't comment too much on the sermon. What we want them to say is simply a gentle "thank you." If they say much more we just melt into a puddle, because we haven't yet recovered from the tender holiness of the moment.
At the door we're too quickly thrust back into the ordinary, even profane existence of daily life. Here are some of the more incredible comments I've heard:
Did you get a haircut?
You must not be feeling very well today.
I'm glad my husband heard that sermon.
Where did you find that message?
Thanks for trying so hard.
My son has Tourette's. Please apologize to the
people who were around us.
So then you agree with the Apostle Paul?
I really enjoyed last week's sermon.
My favorite TV preacher is_______and someday you're going to be just like him.
When I hear such comments, I smile and say, "Thanks for sharing," but deep inside I'm thinking I have to find another line of work.
Sometimes worshipers offer "helpful" criticism on the sermon, which always happens when I illustrate from science or art. Other times they want to point out that their ...
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