Preach Magazine Issue 3 - Preaching and the Holy Spirit | Page 41

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What I’ve learnt
THE WISDOM OF A SEASONED PREACHER

Malcolm Pettit has been
preaching for over fifty
years! He has been an
accredited preacher
in Methodist, Anglican
and URC churches, and
has lived and preached
in Leytonstone, Weston
super Mare, Evesham,
Tarporley, Biggleswade,
and Chichester, where he
lives now with his wife
Pat. Here he shares some
insights he’s gained
along the way.

A disciplined practice of prayer
based meditation and continuing
Bible study is essential. How else
can we be led by the Holy Spirit –
and so be sure that the gospel of
Jesus is central in our lives?
We must be sure we do not seek a

scriptural backing for a particular
topic which may have become a
‘hobby horse’ in our thinking.
We should develop our theme in

such a way that our congregation
will want to spend their own time
in exploring it, preferably by
studying the relevant passages of
scripture.
We mustn’t feel locked into the

pulpit. Prepare in a way that
allows removal from the pulpit
and ensures that our words
are, as it were, shared with our
congregation as we share our
thoughts by moving among them
in the front or up and down the
aisles. This does mean,
of course, that we do
not need to rely solely
on our sermon notes!
Make the effort and
the Holy Spirit
will guide and
strengthen you.

B
 e confident enough to accept –
or indeed, encourage – comments
or questions.
W
 e must follow the example set
by Jesus in preaching that is so
simple, sincere and sensible that
people will hear us gladly and want
to know more.
I
t is a good idea to learn about and
use the modern media techniques
and services that are widely
available.
O
 nce you are back in your home,
hold your own review into every
aspect of your service and sermon.
Make a note of actions, errors or
phrases that you feel could have
been made more suitable and
convincing. And remember to take
such things into account when you
prepare your next sermon or service.
D
 o not allow your conduct and
preaching to be controlled by the
use of modern sound and vision
equipment. They can provide
wonderful support; use them by
all means. But never forget that a
sound system is not substitute for
a strong voice which is inspired
by the working of God’s Holy
Spirit. Neither Jesus, nor the Old
Testament prophets, had such aids,
but they were heard and people
gladly followed their leadership.
A
 bove all, never cease to thank our
risen Saviour for calling us into
his service and empowering and
leading us on our way.
Malcolm Pettit
Malcolm Pettit was a local preacher
from 1962 to 2013. He has lived all
over the country, from London to
Biggleswade to Wimborne. He is
now retired and lives with his wife
in Chichester.

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