A preacher was visiting a congregation one Sunday — they as unknown to him as he was to them. “This is a bit uncomfortable for all of us, I suppose,” he said to open. “You’re out there wondering if I’m a good preacher. I’m up here wondering if you know what good preaching is.”
That is not a story from my future autobiography, I assure you.
I always appreciate getting requests for articles and sermons. I do not always follow through; sometimes I think the subject is best left alone, and sometimes I just forget. Sorry. But the requests themselves are a blessing, in my eyes. One of the ongoing challenges in my position is coming up with new material. If a subject is thrust upon me, it naturally comes with the benefit of having at least one person interested before I ever put pen to paper. Nothing wrong with that.
The famous Gallup polling company recently did some research as to why people attend church assemblies. The biggest two reasons: sermons that teach about Scripture, and sermons that help relate Scripture to everyday life. The smallest response came with regard to “a good choir, praise band, or other spiritual music.” Interesting.
I have been preaching some sermons lately about the lessons we can take from the movies — combating real-world monsters, the difference between “sci” and “fi,” that sort of thing. It’s basically a naked attempt to grab the attention of young people with a spiritual message that, in the absence of sparkly vampires and talking turtles, they might ignore. Future sermons are likely to include lessons on the vigilante mentality (action movies), the false allure of “love at first sight” (romances), and the willingness to take a stand for principle (westerns). Y’all come.
