Opening New Horizons through Preaching: Re: I like it!

» oldkarl - Re: I like it!

In response to I like it! posted by jerrib:

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In truth, I find a lot of excitement and personal satisfaction in preaching. There is a real surge of personal reality in standing at the pulpit, then asking God to speak to the congregation, and asking the congregation to speak to God, both through me.

This, of course, seems like a big ego trip, and that is a danger. But it has to be risked if the ministry is to mean anything.

I have preached to 1,800, and I have gone a couple times to small country churches when no one showed up. And a lot of times for a crowd of less than 10.

But the boost and the excitement are always there. When I have gone and no one showed, I have spent the time in prayer, talking with God about the community, my family, my world and myself. It was not a wasted trip.

I like to get to the church early, usually an hour or so. I like to spend the time walking around, checking out the pulpit, the table, the hymnals, the windows, etc. Every piece has something to say about the congregation, the community, the individuals, and, of course, about God.

This gets me ready for the task. It is part of the way the congregation feeds me with the "stuff" I need to talk with God about them. I love this pre-worship exercise just as much as I love reading the Biblical passages one last time before the service begins.

You are right. I love to preach, and feel sort of empty when I cannot.

Karl Evans

-- posted by oldkarl