|
Home
> Baptist and Reflector News
News for the week of Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Shepherd’s Walk
The shepherd’s walk — know when to stop preaching
By James Porch
7/30/2008
 While passing through the pastorate, know when to stop preaching.
I got the message, clear and simple one Sunday night. Visiting a church, sitting near the back of the sanctuary (worship center), I fervently attempted to connect with the pastor’s message. Through labored delivery, he struggled to blend his text, his interpretation, and several alliterated points. Simultaneously, growing empathy and yet frustration combined to shorten my attention span. In the midst of the rising vacuum, a gentle yet jolting thought strongly caught and held my attention, “James, if while preaching I give you a good place to stop, honor it.”
A spiritual blessing indeed, both for me as a proclaimer and the hearers I am privileged to address. In response to the revelation, I monitor my messages with increased awareness the Holy Spirit’s ending point must override my fervor and preparation. A sermon conclusion drawn up to reflect homiletical principles can fit nicely in the study but prove to be out of place in the pulpit and before God’s good folks. So, preacher friend, watch out for the Holy Spirit’s stop sign!
— Copyright by James Porch, executive director-treasurer, Tennessee Baptist Convention.
[ Back to B&R Home
]
|
|
