Tuesday’s Sermon
Tor asked me how my sermon went on Tuesday, here’s a quick(ish) response:
It went resonably well, not great. Because I was so busy I had to use a sermon I had used at church a month or so ago. I don’t really have any philosophical problem with this, but it created a number of problems:
1) The sermon had been prepared with the New Restalrig congregation in mind, which is the average, mostly uninformed evangelical congregation. I was then using the sermon at my seminary, with a bunch of theological students and professors. The difference in knowledge is large, and the application needs to be very different. I went through the sermon and made adjustments to the application in some parts, but it was a bit hasty.
2) When I’m preaching in a normal church setting, I am there to bring the word of God to God’s people. I’m there to edify them and encourage them to believe the gospel and to worship God. When I’m preaching at the college I’m not exactly sure why I’m there. I’m there partially for the practice, and partially (I think) to be evaluated (both officially and unofficially). There may be some other reasons, but I’m not sure. It’s very dificult to preach in a situation where, for better or worse, everyone is evaluating you. And on top of that I think I have substantially different views on preaching from most of the people in my classes (although some of them seem to be coming around, and I got a number of positive responses).
3) Probably most importantly, I had very little/no emotional connection with the sermon on Tuesday. Normally sermon preparation for me includes a week of poor sleep, b/c I’m wrestling with the whole thing. It takes a tremendous amount of emotional energy, which is also why I’m exhausted after I preach. Though I didn’t get much sleep last week, it was for other reasons. So I didn’t have the emotional connection with sermon, and it makes a difference.
The one person who heard it both times just shook his head when I asked him how he thought it compared :).
Despite all that, I did get a lot of positive, though not very substantial, feedback. I’m not sure if I’m expected to go talk with the Practical Theology professor about it. I think I probably am. Last time his advice was to stand up straighter.
In other news…
I have turned in my last church history essay ever (since I’m writing my dissertation in church history this year I’m exempted from next semester’s assignments).
I’m also preaching this coming Sunday on 2 Timothy 2:14-26. I’m a bit behind on my preparation since I wasn’t able to start until Tuesday evening, and I ended up going to bed by 8 on Tuesday. But it’s going well now, and I’m fully into the sleepless mode, which is good…and bad.
That’s it for now. Cheers!
November 19th, 2004 at 11:20 am
Are you preaching in the morning or evening?
November 19th, 2004 at 11:59 am
Mornin
November 19th, 2004 at 4:55 pm
When the person “just shook his head” when asked how the sermons compared, what did that mean? Just shook his head as in the two sermons were completely different?
November 19th, 2004 at 5:18 pm
Thanks for the response, Bryce. Our pastor spoke last week about how he thought he would be in music ministry, rather than speaking for five services each weekend. He hates public speaking! But you would never know it, because he seems so at ease and well prepared. I imagine that you, too, find it easier when your entire focus has been on the sermon you will give. A bit more difficult with your other classes and responsibilities.
Keep up the good work.
November 19th, 2004 at 5:54 pm
Katie, As in the second time around it wasn’t nearly as “good” as the first.
Tor, umm…thanks.