Dear ______:
Yes, your first preaching class brings a new and different challenge. I’ll confess I’m almost glad to hear you say you are terrified. I don’t want you to feel bad. But I do want you to take it seriously.
For a literary role model I offer you Frodo from Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings.
At least in the movie version there is that great exchange between him and Aragorn, who offers counsel on Frodo’s calling to be the ringbearer.
Aragorn: Are you frightened?
Frodo: Yes.
Aragorn: Not nearly frightened enough.
Wise counsel for preachers: What you are dealing with in the pulpit is important, powerful, and potentially very dangerous.
Whether you know it or not you enter the pulpit with two great concerns: the revelation of God, and the life in Christ of the people who listen.
- Handle the Scriptures well and you lead people toward growth, healing, salvation.
- Handle the Scriptures poorly and you can do immeasurable harm.
So yes, of course you are terrified.
A Role Model for Your Preaching Life
But you need more than a literary caution. You need a role model for your preaching life.
I offer you St. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407). He was Archbishop of Constantinople. The name means “Golden Mouthed” and he got it for being such an amazing preacher.
There is a lot to admire in John Chrysostom — the Orthodox actually celebrate his life on three separate days (one of which is today, by the way).
Think of John Chrysostom this way: He lived and preached the biblical faith, no matter the cost.
- He welcomed unpopular exiles even if they tainted his reputation.
- He practiced simplicity rather than the splendor expected of one in high office.
- He preached against lifestyles contrary to the gospel — even when the emperor’s wife got so mad he was sent into exile. Twice.
But the thing to focus on with St. John Chrysostom is not his willingness to “speak truth to power.” Too often preachers try to do that when “power” isn’t in the room. (Though here in Iowa the Rev. Dr. Pamela Saturnia recently did have the ear of a powerful visitor and spoke the truth with courage!)
Simple Biblical Preaching
What you should look for in Chrysostom’s sermons is the underlying simplicity. There is a three part approach woven into all of his sermons that I’ve read — though I’ve just scratched the surface.
- He explains the biblical text read in worship so the people can understand it.
- He relates that text to the whole of the biblical faith.
- He helps the people see how that text and that faith connect with life and salvation — whether as challenge, or blessing, or invitation, or mystery.
That is what you should aim for in your sermon. Whether you structure it in three points, or four pages, or a narrative or whatever model comes into the curriculum, make sure it does what St. John Chrysostom’s sermons did.
Those three things. You can do those three things. Those are manageable goals.
If you do, your congregations will thank God for you.
Blessings,
Gary
One can never go wrong with St. John! Thank you for bringing this great saint to our attention – especially in today’s world.
Thanks Fr. Dustin!
Thanks for posting this, Gary. I do not see myself as a very “creative” preacher (I do have my moments); hence, I often question the quality of my sermons, although my congregation seems to appreciate them. I feel more confident now because I naturally tend to follow St. John’s preaching formula. I’m glad to know my preaching method is sanctioned as “simple biblical preaching”!