Preach Magazine Issue 1 - Creativity and innovation in preaching | Page 39

FEATURE

39

aching Fresh
SUNDAY MORNING
The Sunday morning service comes and goes
– maybe there were a few sleepers. And the
older people gave you that, ‘I’m looking at
you to be polite but I’m gone’ look. But there’s
no looking back now.
You close with a final hymn, and breathe a
sigh of relief. At least it’s over – at least it’s
above reproach. At least it was correct. You
stand at the back of the church, greeting
people. They thank you politely. All of them,
of course, but Betty. Betty is an old saint –
wise, but direct. She ambles up after the line
has died down, and clutches your extended
hand with soft, wrinkled grace:
‘Thanks, Pastor,’ she says, smiling.
‘It was a wonderful message.’ You nod, thank
her, and begin to walk away. ‘Just one thing,’
she says.
‘Of course,’ you say, forcing a smile.
‘You gave the same message last week.’
‘I’m sorry?’ you say, feigning kindness.
‘Those illustrations and applications were
beautiful the first time you preached them,
Pastor. No need to tarnish a good thing.’
‘Betty, I think…’ She stops you, and clasps
your hand gently with both of hers.
‘Check your notes, Pastor,’ she says. ‘I think
you need to freshen things up a bit.’ You
smile, and assure her you’ll take her advice.

LWPT8173 - Preach Magazine - Issue 1 v3.indd 39

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