Surely there must be an answer other than 'short'!
This autumn one of our housegroups is using the sermons of the previous two Sundays as the basis for their reflection and study. I'm intrigued as to how they are getting on - especially as one of the sermons they looked at yesterday was actually the Harvest Festival 'All Age Talk' at our Parade Service.
There is, of course, the old adage that we should 'preach about God and preach for twenty minutes'!
Over the last three years I've been introduced to the discipline of preaching from the set texts of the Lectionary. I think that my sermons have probably changed as a result - whether they are better or worse is hard to say!
I strive to work within a few self imposed guidelines in my sermon preparation:
* Try to understand the theological significance of the text in its own background
* Let the text determine the theme and tone of the sermon
* Look at the text from a 'sideways' angle rather than just repeating the obvious - but don't be afraid of reinforcing core truths
* Use appropriate illustrations - these are often the moments when folk really connect with the preacher (well if the conversation at the door is anything to go by!)
* Apply the text to everyday modern life - if we don't at least set the ball rolling with this our sermons morph into lectures
Philip Brooks, a former Massachusetts Bishop used to say 'Preaching is truth through personality' - I rather like that phrase and definitely believe preachers need to give something of their 'heart' whilst speaking - and our prayer is that the hearer too will receive the sermon not only with their minds but their hearts too.
For me preaching remains one of the greatest privileges of this calling as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
Oh - and I'd dearly love to be a fly on the wall at that housegroup!
With best wishes,
Ian
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