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Preaching

Tips, ideas, articles, and ruminations about the art and craft of preaching.

2 questions for communicators

By Preaching
As one who speaks before a diverse audience on a regular basis, I find that two questions help me organize my thoughts: What's my point? Why does it matter? If I don't know what my point is, there's a very good chance that my audience won't know what it is either.  That seems basic -- but it's often overlooked.  The clearer I can be about what my point is, then the clearer my presentation will be. In the end, I also must answer the question "Why does it matter?"  Another way of saying the same thing is, "Why does my audience need to hear this?" This is where preaching differs from other forms of communication.  How?  Because it's not just about information but transformation.  The aim of preaching is not to fill the head but to change the heart.  Having the right information is important; but if transformation isn't provoked…
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why i’m reading more fiction

By Preaching
Confession: I'm not drawn to reading fiction like some people are.  My reading interests trend towards history, political science, business, and, of course, faith-related issues.  Not to mention Dilbert. But over the last few years I've made myself read more fiction.  Why?  I believe I need to.  Allow me to explain ... As one tasked with the responsibility of communicating on a regular basis, I have found that reading fiction improves my ability to practice creative imagination.  In two ways: in preparation and in delivery.  Much of the Biblical text is narrative, or stories.  Stories that involve human drama and emotions.  Yet the Bible doesn't tell us that the stone David slung at Goliath "whizzed" through the air or produced a loud "thud" upon impact, but it probably did. Or, what was it like to be Moses and to be standing alongside two towering walls of water when God parted…
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God’s words outlast ours

By Preaching
While reading a post about worship leading, I was struck by this line: Recognize that God’s words outlast ours.  While the post was written for worship leaders, the same holds true for those of us who preach and teach.  Our goal is not to get people to think, "Wow, that was clever!"  Our goal is to help them interact with the living God who has the power to transform their lives. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12
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