I just got an email from a friend who asked if things went badly in church for me to write my homiletics lesson.
Lesson #1: Never dissertate about homiletics on a Sunday. People will assume the morning sermon provoked it.
Actually, these are thoughts culled after hearing thousands of sermons by dozens of preachers. Mom pointed out to me that most people probably haven't heard as many different preachers as I have. Not only have I been in a number of different churches, but I go to conferences where I hear as many as 20 different preachers in a week. I've listened to tons of Christian radio as well (the preaching kind--not just music). So this is not an analysis of a single person's preaching (past or present).
And I have a tendency to analyze. Some of these thoughts stem all the way back to 3rd grade and Pastor Terry Martell who would admit to struggling with a topic he was preaching on. I learned a lot while in that church.
If anything from our church incited my blog, it was the fact that I noticed Ray Patchet doing the same thing. That's why I like his teaching.
As for any other reasons for writing this--I have to confess. I have a couple friends headed into the ministry. They also are some of the very few who have this address. I was mostly blabbing my thoughts to them. Sorry, Georges and Paul, I don't mean to lecture. It just seems silly to tell my sisters what makes a good sermon. What are they going to do about it? So I told you. I figure you'll just ignore me if I'm off the wall. LOL That's what you usually do, isn't it? (BTW I check your blogs frequently. It's so nice to know what's up with you!)
So, Nora, church was fine. Except that you weren't there.
And now I have to get to work.
Maybe after some caffeine... =)
Monday, October 27, 2003
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Homiletics 101 (or how to preach so they don't fall asleep)
For those of you who aren't Bible School students, homiletics is the art of preaching sermons.
For everyone who's wondering why I'm posting this on my blog, here's my defense: I don't think preachers should teach homiletics. They are always up in front preaching. They don't have to sit through the sermon. On the other hand, I (as a female) will never get to preach. I have to sit and listen. So I am much more qualified to give input on this topic.
Ok--I'm (mostly) joking. But I know I like some sermons better than others. And I've done some analyzing at times. For what it's worth, here's my first observations.
I listen and learn best when (a)I relate to the person and (b)I respect the person. What would make me relate to or respect a preacher? First and foremost is the preacher's willingness to "be real." When a person shares personal examples (not to the hurt of anyone else, of course), his speaking comes out of the abstract and into reality. When he relates his own struggles, I know that he really understands what he's talking about. I know he isn't looking down on the rest of us. And I know he really means what he is saying. No one makes themselves vulnerable like that without some difficulty. Only the burden of the message so enables us to want to connect with the listener that we can share such deep things of our hearts.
What makes me lose respect for someone? When he doesn't listen. When he thinks he has all the answers and never hears my question. When he sort of listens to my question and then gives a pat answer--and when I don't accept it, I'm the one with the problem. In short, when he doesn't respect me.
I'm a grown-up. I know the answers aren't always easy. I don't always need an answer. I know I don't know everything. But give me credit for taking the subject seriously, and I will take you seriously.
Do that with your sermons--speak what is closest and dearest to your heart in a spirit of humility--and your sermons will be precious gems. Though they lack something in grammar or structure or formal training, they will have great value. And refinement will only increase that value.
There, that's my two-cents worth, even though I doubt anyone would give me one for it.
God bless you all. Have a good night.
For everyone who's wondering why I'm posting this on my blog, here's my defense: I don't think preachers should teach homiletics. They are always up in front preaching. They don't have to sit through the sermon. On the other hand, I (as a female) will never get to preach. I have to sit and listen. So I am much more qualified to give input on this topic.
Ok--I'm (mostly) joking. But I know I like some sermons better than others. And I've done some analyzing at times. For what it's worth, here's my first observations.
I listen and learn best when (a)I relate to the person and (b)I respect the person. What would make me relate to or respect a preacher? First and foremost is the preacher's willingness to "be real." When a person shares personal examples (not to the hurt of anyone else, of course), his speaking comes out of the abstract and into reality. When he relates his own struggles, I know that he really understands what he's talking about. I know he isn't looking down on the rest of us. And I know he really means what he is saying. No one makes themselves vulnerable like that without some difficulty. Only the burden of the message so enables us to want to connect with the listener that we can share such deep things of our hearts.
What makes me lose respect for someone? When he doesn't listen. When he thinks he has all the answers and never hears my question. When he sort of listens to my question and then gives a pat answer--and when I don't accept it, I'm the one with the problem. In short, when he doesn't respect me.
I'm a grown-up. I know the answers aren't always easy. I don't always need an answer. I know I don't know everything. But give me credit for taking the subject seriously, and I will take you seriously.
Do that with your sermons--speak what is closest and dearest to your heart in a spirit of humility--and your sermons will be precious gems. Though they lack something in grammar or structure or formal training, they will have great value. And refinement will only increase that value.
There, that's my two-cents worth, even though I doubt anyone would give me one for it.
God bless you all. Have a good night.
Running your own business
Sometimes people think I make "good" money teaching lessons. It's true that if you figure the cost per lesson as an hourly rate, it's high. But what about all those other hours...
First of all, I spent today trying not to think about work. It's a quasi-rule I have about Sundays for the sole reason that I have to have a day off!!! [Silent scream here while I mime pulling out my hair.] I've mostly succeeded although I do have to look at the material for my 9:30 a.m. class tomorrow. I'd rather do it now than get up at some unearthly hour.
I'm starting to make mental lists of what needs to be done this week/soon/yesterday-but-hasn't-happened-yet. I need to get to Sams Club to buy stuff for the prize box. We're almost out, and running out would be scarier than a 10-year-old boy's ideal Halloween costume. I should put in an order to Oriental Trading Company, too. Did someone ask put something on our next order? I can't remember. I should ask Laura if she needs anything, though.
I should be on Kindermusik stuff for next semester. We should hand out schedules very soon to our current students. I also need to make a recital announcement for piano/violin/flute students. We need to schedule a date to play at the Christian bookstore. I want to play at the clinic, too. Am I forgetting anything? It'll come to me...
And I need to clean my room. I always feel better after that. =)
I think I should have stayed up during last night's extra hour.
First of all, I spent today trying not to think about work. It's a quasi-rule I have about Sundays for the sole reason that I have to have a day off!!! [Silent scream here while I mime pulling out my hair.] I've mostly succeeded although I do have to look at the material for my 9:30 a.m. class tomorrow. I'd rather do it now than get up at some unearthly hour.
I'm starting to make mental lists of what needs to be done this week/soon/yesterday-but-hasn't-happened-yet. I need to get to Sams Club to buy stuff for the prize box. We're almost out, and running out would be scarier than a 10-year-old boy's ideal Halloween costume. I should put in an order to Oriental Trading Company, too. Did someone ask put something on our next order? I can't remember. I should ask Laura if she needs anything, though.
I should be on Kindermusik stuff for next semester. We should hand out schedules very soon to our current students. I also need to make a recital announcement for piano/violin/flute students. We need to schedule a date to play at the Christian bookstore. I want to play at the clinic, too. Am I forgetting anything? It'll come to me...
And I need to clean my room. I always feel better after that. =)
I think I should have stayed up during last night's extra hour.
Friday, October 24, 2003
From the mouths of babes
You never know what a 6-7 year-old will say. I have one student who just loves words. She fell in love with the word boomerang for a while. It didn't matter what it was as long as she kept saying the word. She used to ask a hundred questions a lesson. When I answered, she kept asking variations of the same question: "Is so-and-so up to this page? I think she's done with the book. Is she in the last book?" (I had just told her what page the other student was on.) I decided that she didn't ask questions to find out information or talk in order to say anything. She did it to hear words coming out of her mouth.
Every time she makes a mistake she says, "Whoopsie(s)!" in a sing-song voice while tossing her head from one side to the other. (This is a darling little girl of Thai descent so the action puts me in stitches every time.) I noticed several of her classmates said the same thing, and I figured it was something going around school.
Then I noticed that I did it. Whenever the younger ones make a mistake, I gently cue them that it is wrong by saying "whoops." What's worse, I don't think I picked it up from my students. I began to wonder if I had started the whole thing.
So then, once or twice I extended their favorite epithet and said "Whoopsie Daisy!" Two nights ago, my student made a mistake and exclaimed--well, let's just say I think I may be the culprit after all.
I've begun adding "Uh-oh Spaghettios!" Haven't heard that one come back yet. I don't know if these kids even eat Spaghettios.
I wonder what the first grade teachers think. LOL
Every time she makes a mistake she says, "Whoopsie(s)!" in a sing-song voice while tossing her head from one side to the other. (This is a darling little girl of Thai descent so the action puts me in stitches every time.) I noticed several of her classmates said the same thing, and I figured it was something going around school.
Then I noticed that I did it. Whenever the younger ones make a mistake, I gently cue them that it is wrong by saying "whoops." What's worse, I don't think I picked it up from my students. I began to wonder if I had started the whole thing.
So then, once or twice I extended their favorite epithet and said "Whoopsie Daisy!" Two nights ago, my student made a mistake and exclaimed--well, let's just say I think I may be the culprit after all.
I've begun adding "Uh-oh Spaghettios!" Haven't heard that one come back yet. I don't know if these kids even eat Spaghettios.
I wonder what the first grade teachers think. LOL
Sunday, October 19, 2003
How the time flies!
Has it really been almost a month since I've posted here? I suppose if anyone actually reads this blog they've just about given up on me. Well, let me tell you a little about my schedule to explain why I don't blog often...
First, there's Monday. I have a Kindermusik to teach class right away in the morning. It starts at 9:30 (used to start at 9--I'm so glad for the change), but I have to be there early to set up and prepare myself. Forty-five minutes later I say good-bye to darling little Sameer and whoever else comes. Then I get to pick up my stuff. (Take down posters, pick up instruments, pack away everything into a giant Rubbermaid container.) I'll have to run some errands on my way home. Once home I need to clean house since I didn't get my chores done on Saturday--I was busy balancing my budget. I only have one lesson to teach in the afternoon. That's good because I have to finish preparing for a Kindermusik class in the evening, (hopefully) meet a friend for coffee, and do most of the prep work for the rest of the week.
From Tuesday to Thursday, I teach 30 students and attend a flute lesson of my own. Somewhere along the way, I'll check on music for a few students, prepare a mini-lesson on Gregorian chant for some others, finish placing another music order, take care of business correspondence and phone calls, work out (so I don't turn into a fat blob), and maybe even do some practicing of my own.
Friday is for working out, picking up the mess that comes from teaching all week, and Bible study. By this time in the week, I start thinking that I need to learn my Kindermusik lessons for next Monday. Saturday is for cleaning--except when I have other chores like this weekend. I might try to get to Walmart for some supplies. (Last time it took me 2 months to get there.)
And then there's Sunday. Which always goes too fast. But today I actually managed to blog a little. Hooray!!
Don't get me wrong. I love what I do. I just always seem to have more of it than I can get done. But that's life. And now I'm going to go do some more.
Rebecca
First, there's Monday. I have a Kindermusik to teach class right away in the morning. It starts at 9:30 (used to start at 9--I'm so glad for the change), but I have to be there early to set up and prepare myself. Forty-five minutes later I say good-bye to darling little Sameer and whoever else comes. Then I get to pick up my stuff. (Take down posters, pick up instruments, pack away everything into a giant Rubbermaid container.) I'll have to run some errands on my way home. Once home I need to clean house since I didn't get my chores done on Saturday--I was busy balancing my budget. I only have one lesson to teach in the afternoon. That's good because I have to finish preparing for a Kindermusik class in the evening, (hopefully) meet a friend for coffee, and do most of the prep work for the rest of the week.
From Tuesday to Thursday, I teach 30 students and attend a flute lesson of my own. Somewhere along the way, I'll check on music for a few students, prepare a mini-lesson on Gregorian chant for some others, finish placing another music order, take care of business correspondence and phone calls, work out (so I don't turn into a fat blob), and maybe even do some practicing of my own.
Friday is for working out, picking up the mess that comes from teaching all week, and Bible study. By this time in the week, I start thinking that I need to learn my Kindermusik lessons for next Monday. Saturday is for cleaning--except when I have other chores like this weekend. I might try to get to Walmart for some supplies. (Last time it took me 2 months to get there.)
And then there's Sunday. Which always goes too fast. But today I actually managed to blog a little. Hooray!!
Don't get me wrong. I love what I do. I just always seem to have more of it than I can get done. But that's life. And now I'm going to go do some more.
Rebecca