Comments on: What’s The Point?

By: random ruminations | Teapot Theology

random ruminations | Teapot Theology — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:26:04 +0000

[...] nugget, from Pete Wilson / Rob Bell about how preaching is provoke a whole new way of living!! ohhh [...]

By: Paul Gardner

Paul Gardner — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:41:04 +0000

What is the point of a message/sermon?

Interesting when I’ve had these discussions in the past, (present and no doubt future), the answers quickly go off at a tangent. Normally with people defending or attacking a certain style of preaching!

As I preach I try to remember the following:

* People need to hear the Bible’s message… not mine

* People need to hear all parts of the Bible… not just my favourite [New Zealand spelling ] bits.

* All styles of preaching should be used… because different people learn differently.

* This is my interpretation (except for the essential doctrine of my denomination) and people should be challenged to explore their own theology.

As for what I’m trying to achieve…

Transformation of people by the power of God’s word in their lives.

And as most (if not all transformation won’t take place during a 30 minute message) then my message can only ever be something that should start conversations.

Cultural Relevancy

Because all of the Bible is relevant to all of us. If I’m not relevant with my preaching then I’m not preaching the Bible!

That said, messages must, over time, cover the gambit of:

* Challenge
* Encourage
* Rebuke
* Teach

I have to try very hard not to go to my default mode which is a challenge/teach/favourite passages style.

Can’t beat up the congregation every week!
.-= Paul Gardner´s last blog ..The Real Problem With Multi-Site Churches =-.

By: Chrystie

Chrystie — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:45:50 +0000

I can think of only one thing: Jesus. .-= Chrystie´s last blog ..Pride =-.

By: Pete A.

Pete A. — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:31:57 +0000

Wow! Must say, after reading all these comments I’m glad I became a layman and not a minister! Never dreamed there was so much consider before writing a sermon.

To me, it was simple. (See how little I knew!) A sermon was to (a) lead me to Christ and then (b) help me grow. Grow to love God, grow to know how to love and help others, grow to know how to live, grow to know the Word.

I did like Ron Robertson’s professor’s quote very much.

Best wishes – and much more appreciation – to all you pastors and teachers!

By: Jeff Goins

Jeff Goins — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:58:36 +0000

There’s an ongoing discussion that I’ve been reading and reflecting on this blog: http://ht.ly/1SO8A

Basically, it questions the assumption that the “main event” of a church service should be the sermon.

As a pastor, have you ever questioned whether or not you should even give a sermon? (Sorry to rock the boat, but I’d love to get the perspective of someone not sitting in the “audience”.) Thoughts, Pete?
.-= Jeff Goins´s last blog ..First Things First =-.

By: Kristi schutter

Kristi schutter — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:18:48 +0000

I only present lessons to a small group setting to those fallen away from Christ, new believers or those that only known Christ yet yerning a desire to embrace more passion. As a young believer myself I rely on my personal experience in transformation and invite them to join me on this path. I’m so thankful for resources such as Pete, Andy Stanly, Rob Bell, Francis Chan just to mention a few to excite my listeners to see Christ in such a way that is not clouded by religion or legalism!

By: JLJ

JLJ — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:17:54 +0000

The point of a sermon is a way to allow others to get as excited as you are on the subject you’re speaking on and for them to take the fired up feeling they now have and dig further into what you was being spoken of.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Believe those words and surf on over to http://www.hybridhondas.com. Click on a link or two. It costs nothing but it sure will help a fellow brother out so he can continue helping others.

Spread the word to other brothers and sisters. Be blessed.

By: Blane Young

Blane Young — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:43:05 +0000

Context: I am the Communications Pastor at Family Life Church (Brunswick, GA) and have the opportunity to assist in the creation of messages.

I would say that the point of the sermon is to “stir things up”. In people’s souls and minds, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

By: @hasbell

@hasbell — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:40:56 +0000

I’ve contemplated this all day. I think that sermons should be God’s message. God loves, comforts, disciplines, edifies, etc. I learned a while back to not come with an agenda. They lead to frustration and disappointment. I feel it’s my responsibility to be a “sheep” under a “shepherd” that is listing to his Master. We are also called to study the Scriptures for ourselves… I think we partner with the sermon-giver to learn more about God and deepen our relationship.

The point… spiritual maturity.

By: Church Jumpstarter

Church Jumpstarter — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:19:04 +0000

What is the purpose of a sermon? I think the words of the old hymn, “I Love To Tell The Story,” sums it up really well.
.-= Church Jumpstarter´s last blog ..The Valentine Conspiracy – My Call to Church Revitalization =-.