For any minister, especially pastor, the question of what is the best way to get the point across is asked before every message (or it should be if it isn't). I believe many pastors/preachers assume that the way that they have always heard it is the best way to deliver a message. For most people, exogetical sermons are the "only way to really preach". In case you are wondering, exogetical sermons or ones that are preached verse by verse. Let me say, first and foremost, this is a great method for Bible study (group or individual). Verse by verse will allow for more discussion as to Biblical background, historical connotations, and context. These are all extremely important.
A pastor/preacher, though, must first know his audience...or at least his target audience. Who is going to be in the service, is it primarily (or entirely) believers, will there be several "seekers" (those who do not know Christ), and lastly - who is the message for (believers, seekers, both, etc.). These questions must be answered before the style of preaching and the substance is determined.
In my opinion verse by verse style is way over used when delivering God's word. All we have to do is look in the new testament and see that both Jesus and Paul delivered their messages and letters according to topic, not breaking down the scriptures verse by verse. But to understand this, we have to look at their audience. In their sermons, they were addressing seekers. Paul's letters were addressing believers, yet he still wrote topically.
Churches, and pastors in particular, must be relevant when imparting scripture. We do God and scripture a huge disfavor when we share God's word, but we bore people to tears (or sleep). This should never happen when we share God's word. Topical sermons are not immune to boredom, but they do allow for much more freedom in delivery style as well as creativity.
Creativity may be the ingredient that is missing the most when it comes to sharing God's word. Pastors/preachers need to stop relying on the style of preachers of the 18, 19 and 20th century and learn to develop their own style. This inturn will allow for preachers to be creative because they are being themselves.
So to summarize, topical sermons + creativity + Holy Spirit guidance = God moving in God ways. When you want to have a bible study, go verse by verse.
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1 comment:
Hey boss... I just want to be an encouragement to you and tell you that you are doing a great job. I know we hear such and such about things that "we could do" in order to please but that is not who we are called to be at all! God moves in very clear and evident ways with your preaching and I am grateful to be serving under and with you.
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