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.