How Should a Preacher Preach?

[JohnDeereFan]

Some background on myself: I'm an old-school hard-shell Baptist. I'm used to small churches (typically no more than 150 members or so). 13 Years ago I announced my calling to preach God's word. I have not attended seminary, though I am not opposed to it. I have no problem in learning history and language, though I do not like the idea of someone trying to tell someone else how to preach.

I recently came across a blog that purported to teach men how to preach without notes, if necessary. For my own experience, this was a foreign concept. I've never preached with notes. I pray and study the scriptures, then mark the place I feel the Spirit leading me to...but I'm going off on my own tangent here...

I use notes. I have to because my background is in teaching, where I have more latitude and more time to get to the point. So, if I don't, I have a tendency to ramble.

This blog also stated some tips for preachers. Among its various tips were the following:

1. The preacher should stay behind the pulpit and not move.

I move around, but not too much. I can't stand preachers who walk around like they're performing.

2. The preacher should not raise his voice. Use microphones to be louder.

It's not always about being louder. We don't speak in a monotone and raising and lowering our voice can be for emphasis or demonstration.

3. Publish a version of your notes either on a screen or a flyer for the congregation.

It depends on the sermon and what the notes are.

4. Always prepare a message that relates to current events in your church.
5. Always prepare a message relevant to any possible holidays/occasions.

Topical preaching has an important place, but I believe the emphasis should be on expository preaching.

 

[Alcott]

How Should a Preacher Preach?

Very carefully.

 

[SaggyWoman]

When I preach:
1. I preach Passionately.
2. I try not to spit.
3. I make notes.
4. I try not to be trifling.

 

[OldRegular]

FYI, 'hardshell' was a derogatory name implying stubbornness or obstinacy because of their resistance to change and adapt new things when most others around them were.

In my "neck of the woods" we called primitive Baptists "hardshell". Course we were not as sophisticated as refugees from Bloody Breathitt!

 

[OldRegular]

And that's just one of the many great and awesome things about the Lord. Personally, I wouldn't be able to sit under the "preaching" of a Joel Osteen type "preacher" which is really nothing more than a motivational speaker.

No one should sit under the Joel Osteen type preacher!

 

[OldRegular]

FYI, 'hardshell' was a derogatory name implying stubbornness or obstinacy because of their resistance to change and adapt new things when most others around them were.

That makes me a hardshell" an anomaly in a Southern Baptist Church. Nowadays they think they must keep up with the latest trends.