Darryl's Blog
Preachers at peace
I attended a preaching consultation last week, and one of the questions was what preachers should be trained to be and do. One person came up with an answer that surprised me. He said that preachers really need to learn to be at peace.
I didn't buy it at first, but I could tell others agreed. Some talked about former pastors preaching every week out of anger or hurt. I could relate - I've heard the same, and I've done it. While I never would have though of this as an answer, I think it's exactly right.
In the end, the most powerful sermon comes out of someone who is healthy and at peace. This remark has been a good reminder to me that character is one of the most important things we bring to any task, including preaching.
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Interesting ... so very different from the Henri Nouwen "wounded healer" starting point I was taught in seminary.
As long as the preacher doesn't become mild-mannered. I can't stand that. There's got to be conviction and heralding.
Darryl,
I don't envy you. It seems like you must be all things to all people. Pastors have to be like CEO's, (but don't make a decision that annoys people), Teachers (but don't force people to think too much, Sunday's should be for worship not thought), Counsellors, Prophets, Evangelists, CFO's, CTO's, CIO's etc. etc.
I long for a pastor to be a real person. A learned friend who comes alongside to teach and be taught. I think it's hard for Pastors to be at peace while juggling the organization.
Rob
Mike:
Maybe this isn't about the wounded healer concept. I think it's more about not grinding axes in the pulpit.
Rob:
I was more real with someone this week, and they talked about why this honesty - fears, etc. - can't be shared more publicly. In some ways, a career threatening move. In other words, probably where we need to go.
Darryl,
If there's anyway for me to help move the church in that direction please let me know. It's the questions that get to you in the end. The elephant in the room questions. The kind that people will think you're a bad 'Christian' for having.
Rob