Candidating Sermon

[Greektim]

Any suggestions and/or advice for preaching a sermon to candidate at a church?

I would love to hear advice from both pastors AND lay-people in the church and what they would look for.

 

[padredurand]

Any suggestions and/or advice for preaching a sermon to candidate at a church?

I would love to hear advice from both pastors AND lay-people in the church and what they would look for.

The last time I was a candidate I preached this text.

Habakkuk 2:1-3 NAS77

1 I WILL stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.
2 Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.
3 "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.​

I lost the notes in a house fire a few years back but I spoke about the real expectations of the man they would call to be their pastor. I received 100% of the vote and by Month 11 they couldn't get rid of me fast enough. :tongue3:

Apparently they really did want someone with a wife that played the piano or they were amazed that someone actually preached from Habakkuk.

 

[Revmitchell]

I would stick with a purely evangelistic message. Do not bring a message with an agenda related to your candidating it may come off wrong. Preach the gospel.

 

[Tom Bryant]

The old advice would be to preach a "candy stick" that you've preached well at other places, but I think it would be far better to just preach the Word and leave your vision for leadership and the church to another venue.

You want them to know what and how you would preach on a Sunday to Sunday basis.

When are you preaching? Let us know how we can pray for you.

 

[exscentric]

Do the homework, do your best, take all advice and consider it, but mostly let the Spirit do His work.

Years ago I was asked to fill the pulpit at a small town church, did it, preached on I remember not what and went home. Three weeks later the church called and told me that they had three men preach and they wanted me to consider being their interim. Turned out that we were there for over a year.

Had no idea they were considering me for anything - and I knew the other men and both I would consider far better preachers The Lord knows what He is doing, let Him guide you ultimately! Kinda figure you already had that in mind

 

[SovereignGrace]

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.[2 Tim. 4:1,2]

 

[Jordan Kurecki]

The Sufficiency of Jesus.

 

[Marooncat79]

Great point Jordan

 

[Br. Dan]

<snip>...
You want them to know what and how you would preach on a Sunday to Sunday basis.
...<snip>

I realize this is a stale thread, but I've not been on here in some time. I would like to agree with this statement. Having been on both sides of the pulpit, in my opinion, this is the best course for you and them. Let them know what they can expect Sunday after Sunday; which will hopefully minimize any great expectations and alleviate disappointment.

 

[Salty]

We had a candidate at our church many years ago. He said, I dont know if this is my best message or not, but I know it is the one the Lord wants me to preach!

Whenever I have been a candidate - I have followed that advice.

 

[AVL1984]

I've filled in for many pastors who have been out of town, etc., and I've found that preaching about the grace of God in our lives never fails. It seems that the Lord always leads me to a sermon that is about His leading in our lives and our privilege to be His. I've been a candidate at three different churches over the years and there's only one church that I wasn't asked back to preach at later on.