Preach Magazine Issue 3 - Preaching and the Holy Spirit | Page 43

SERIAL DAVID BRACEWELL I think it is right to say that preaching is part and parcel of church leadership, so not to be avoided. But it is sad that it feels such a burden to you. The good news is that it need not be. There are very few natural Spurgeons around. Most of us have to work at it! So, three thoughts: 1.  reach as you can, not as you P can’t. Maybe it is necessary to write out a full script and read it, to aid confidence. Reading sermons tends to be frowned on, but if it is done well it can be very effective. 2.  ork hard on getting a strong, W clear structure to the sermon. Know where you want to go, and plot a clear course. This will give you confidence and encourage your hearers. YOUR OWN SENSE OF INADEQUACY IS GOOD NEWS. FEELING WEAK IS THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING STRONG! MANDY BRIGGS Ministers are expected by their congregations to be good at everything – but we are human. There is no such thing as the perfect priest, pastor or preacher because everyone who answers a call from God comes with both strengths and weaknesses. You say that you feel you are a poor preacher. Is that the reality? Do you have one or two trusted colleagues and friends who you could confide in? 3.  now that your people want K to hear from you, and are supportive of you. See your preaching as a natural extension of your pastoral care. So give attention to yourself, your script and your people. Finally, be encouraged. Sunday by Sunday, bad sermons are preached up and down the land by preachers who think they know what they are doing. Your own sense of inadequacy is good news. Feeling weak is the first step to becoming strong! David Bracewell David Bracewell was Rector of St Saviour’s Church, Guildford for more than 20 years. Now officially retired, he continues to travel the country, training and encouraging local church leaders. He is passionate about the role of the local church and believes the greatest mistake a preacher can make is to be boring. Maybe they could come to a service and offer you some realistic feedback on how you really come across when you preach. It may not be as dreadful as you imagine and may help to boost your confidence and allay your nerves. However, there could also be another way forward. The image that immediately comes to mind when I read your letter is of you stepping up into a large pulpit to deliver a traditional sermon. What if the answer to your dilemma lies WHAT IF THE ANSWER TO YOUR DILEMMA LIES NOT IN CHANGING YOU, BUT IN CHANGING THE FORMAT OF THE SERVICE? LWPT8693 Preach Magazine - Issue 3 v3 REPRO.indd 43 43 not in changing you, but in changing the format of the service? What about using the ‘sermon slot’ for conversations, cafe-style group discussions, or creative opportunities to respond to the Bible? Mandy Briggs Mandy Briggs is a Methodist minister based in Bristol. As Education Officer at the New Room/John Wesley’s Chapel, she is exploring how to share the Methodist story with all ages (newroombristol.org.uk). She can also be found on Twitter: @mandbristol. Each issue, our panel will address a tricky preaching problem. If you have something you would value their wisdom on, send it to [email protected]. Please indicate whether you would like to be anonymous. 17/04/2015 15:43:03