In the only letter we have from Jesus’ brother Jude, we find a passionate warning against false teachers who were invading and beguiling the church. Jude writes scathingly of them. After he describes and dismisses them, he turns in verse 20 to contrast the true Christians, and true leaders of the church, with these unspiritual men.
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Categories: Devotional · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Leadership
McDill, Wayne. The 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1994. 290 pp.
Introduction
With a desire to provide a “skills development approach” for training in the art and science of preaching, Dr. Wayne McDill pens a volume that aims to “identify and strengthen the specific skills needed for more effective sermon preparation” (ix). McDill serves as professor of preaching at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He has over forty years of experience as a pastor, denominational leader, and a teacher of homiletics and is the author of numerous books, including Evangelism in a Tangled World, Becoming Who You Are, Making Friends for Christ, and The Message.
McDill contends that there are twelve essential skills to help preachers provide more and better content in their sermons. While he observes that God calls and His preachers, we have the responsibility to develop these specific skills through “discipline, hard work, and a commitment to clear thinking and Bible-based sermons” (15). He notes that:
This book is designed with a self-improvement format, a do-it-yourself approach which will let you concentrate on your own skills, at your own pace, and in the areas you see need to be strengthened (7).
Summary
McDill presents the first skill for great preaching in that the preacher must “get the text in view” by way of observation (17). With this skill, he desires to “recogniz[e] and not[e] details in the wording of the text and their significance for its meaning” through the means of structural diagramming via inductive Bible study (43). The second skill is “seeing what is there [through] recognizing and noting details in the wording of the text and their significance in the meaning (42).
The next skill is in “asking the right questions … for the best research to interpret the writer’s meaning” — also known as hermeneutics (59, 61). The challenge here lies in trying to know what someone’s intentions are when they are so far removed by historical, literary, and theological distance (63-64). One these questions are answered, the preacher moves to the next step which is “naming the textual idea” (80). Here, the preacher discovers “the writer’s idea in the text and designat[es] it with precise terminology” (83). Once accomplished, the next step is to touch human needs by “tracing from theological concepts in the text to corresponding needs in contemporary hearers” (102).
After this step is executed in the interpretation stages, the time comes to bridge from text to sermon (121) followed by the writing of the sermon divisions which “clearly state the teachings of the text on its subject” (139). Next is the step of planning the sermon design which determines “the arrangement of sermon materials for the most effective communication” (159) followed by the development of sermon ideas which will aid in the “understanding, acceptance, and response of the hearer” (182). The next step in this area of understanding and acceptance is in “exploring natural analogies … for illustrating sermon ideas” for, as McDill notes, “a concept does not impact our thinking unless we can see it” (203). Along this line of thinking, the next skill deals with “drawing pictures, telling stories” in an imaginative and creative way to bring biblical and contemporary stories to life in the mind of the listener (223).
Finally, the culminates all the steps thus far into this final step which aims to “[conform] every aspect of sermon design to the aim of a faith response in the hearer” (244) for it is the “only appropriate response to God and His Word” (258).
Critical Evaluation
As stated earlier, McDill’s purpose in writing this book consists of “identify[ing] and strengthen[ing] the specific skills needed for more effective sermon preparation” (ix). By focusing on the content of the sermon, he succeeds for the most part in making a user-friendly volume that deserves a place on every pastor’s bookshelf.
What immediately strikes the reader’s cursory glance of this work is the layout. McDill deserves praise for achieving his goal of presenting a “self-improvement format [and] a do-it-yourself approach” (7). Each chapter contains a sentence that clearly and succinctly tells the “skill [McDill hopes] to develop with this exercise” (83). Each chapter also contains easily identifiable headings and subheadings, a box or boxes containing key definitions, guidelines for each exercise, a chapter summary, study questions, and examples of how to implement each exercise. He helps the preacher in his studies who is pressed for time. McDill’s layout allows the preacher a quick reference guide as needed.
Another appealing aspect of this work is its practical nature. This is not a theoretical book on homiletical philosophy but a basic ‘how-to’ manual for preachers to work their own pace (11). He notes that “just because you think you understand something doesn’t mean you can do it. Practice is the only way to master a skill, even in sermon preparation” (4). McDill takes the preacher step-by-step through each of the skills he presents. As mentioned just previously, each chapter contains a segment guiding the reader through an exercise for each skill (32, 52, 73, 90, 114, 131, 146, 171, 193, 215, 235, 257). In these segments, the author certainly practices what he preaches in that not only does he tell the reader what each skill entails, he also helps the reader apply it step-by-step from the ground up . This portion is so helpful for the young preacher finding himself overwhelmed with the thought of sermon preparation. McDill figuratively takes the young preacher by the hand and guides him carefully through each process.
A highly commended chapter ib this work is Chapter Ten, “Exploring Natural Analogies” (201). A ‘natural analogy’ takes a “relationship, circumstance, event, or other factor” in the natural realm and parallels it with a theological concept (207). McDill notes that an “incarnational (in human form) principle must guide us today as se seek, through preaching, to be channels of God’s ongoing revelation” (203-204). He rightly notes that we must “look for analogies that will help your hearer understand the idea” (211) and are grounded in our respective “arenas of life” (216). This skill is vital in connecting with our contemporary audiences and is the same style of preaching that Jesus often used with the common people with His use of parables, which took a common situation, event, or person’s position and used it to instill a heavenly truth.
Two weaknesses are found in this work. The most noticeable is the title. This reviewer finds the title a bit presumptuous, as if acquiring and applying these twelve skills will automatically make one’s preaching ‘great.’ For McDill, great content equals great preaching and clearly his focus is on fleshing out the content of the Scriptures in “the skills necessary to sermon preparation” (10). The title implies this would be a more comprehensive approach to sermon preparation and delivery in the whole realm of preaching. Instead, he minimizes the effect of delivery in favor of content alone.
The delivery style is not the critical factor in what we recognize as great preaching. Great delivery without effective content is often only “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” On the other hand, striking content is of real interest to the hearer, even if the delivery is weak. (10).
Yet again, the title of the book implies preaching and delivery is part of the preaching process. Plus, the Scriptural accounts of the preachers and prophets indicate that the content and the way they communicated that content was part of the message. The Apostle Paul notes that:
My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, ESV).
The point here that Paul makes is that content alone does not a message make, but it is how the message crafts the speaker’s heart and thus persuades passionately through the Spirit. McDill seems to miss this point completely. A better title would be “The 12 Essential Skills for Great Sermon Preparation.”
Conclusion
After reading this work in its entirety, I would highly recommend this work to someone looking for a manual on sermon preparation. Even though the title is misleading, once the preacher enters into the contents of the book and sees the helpful way McDill fleshes out these various skills, he will be thankful for having such a wonderful volume in his hands.
I would recommend using this volume as a tune-up to specific areas of your preaching preparation that need work rather than trying to work from the beginning to the end of this book, for that would take a large amount of time. Absorbing this book little-by-little, however, will certainly transform your sermon preparation and your congregation will thank you all the more for this transformation.
Categories: Book Review · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students
Calvin Theological Seminary professor Sidney Greidanus has provided a masterful overview of the Dutch debates of the 1930's and while the historical details may not be relevant for most readers, the issues raised cannot be dismissed in our own situation.3
While the liberal Protestants on the Continent were already busily engaged in downplaying the historical dimension of revelation, emphasizing the ethical, psychological and spiritual applications provided by the various biblical writers, a number of prominent Reformed theologians saw similar, if less overt, problems within conservative congregations. According to Greidanus, biblical interpretation during the early part of the century was often marked by the following three tendencies:
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Categories: Church Life · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students
Preach, O Preach the Word!
By Matthew R. Perry
Written November 1, 2005
Based on 2 Timothy 4:2-5
This is a charge we are to keep!
To tell it loud before His sheep
And rouse the lost out of their sleep!
O preach, O preach the Word of God!
Be ready, shepherds, to reprove
Exhort the church so it may move
To spread the truth, embraced with love!
O Preach, O preach the Word of God.
The world moves out with itching ears
That long to hear what they hold dear
And mute the Word that’s all too clear!
O preach, O preach the Word of God!
With sober minds and patient hearts
We persevere as from the start
"Fulfill your calling — do your part!"
O preach, O preach the Word of God!
L.M.
Copyright (c) 2005 by Matthew Perry, Boone's Creek Baptist Church. 185 N. Cleveland Rd., Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 263-5466. boonescreekchurch@gmail.com . http://www.boonescreekchurch.com
Categories: For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Uncategorized
In the March 9 edition of his Turning Point Daily Devotional, David Jeremiah talks about a well-known Old Testament scholar who spent the summer in Jerusalem as part of a team of scholars working on a new translation of the Bible. When he returned to the classroom in September, he told his students it had been a carnal, spiritually dry summer. His students were shocked. Weren’t they studying God’s Word all day? He replied, “It became a project instead of a passion. We became so familiar with the intricacies of the text that we stopped seeing its grandeur.”
Jeremiah adds, “Is it possible to study the Bible in a carnal fashion? Apparently so. Maybe when you read the professor’s testimony, you said to yourself, ‘That’s happened to me.’ You don’t have to be a scholar or translator to lose sight of the inestimable privilege of reading God’s Word. It can happen when you become so faithful with your quiet time that it becomes a routine — something to check off your ‘to-do’ list for the day.”
This is a danger pastors and church leaders face on a constant basis. As we dig through God’s Word developing sermons, lessons and other presentations, it is all too easy to begin treating Scripture as a resource to use in our work, losing sight of the incredible treasure God has given us in His Word. As you pick up your copy of God’s Word today, take time to meditate on its power and its unique value. Take time to thank God for allowing you to handle His precious Word, and ask Him to help you discover new riches in those remarkable pages.
As A.W. Tozer said, “The sacred page is not meant to be the end, but only the means toward the end, which is knowing God Himself.”
Michael Duduit, Editor
michael@preaching.com
www.michaelduduit.com
(From MRP: “Oh God, forgive me when the Bible simply becomes fodder for my sermons rather than a way for me to know You more and proclaim you best! Revive me again, O Lord.”)
Categories: For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Leadership
Periodically, I will republish a blog entry from a former blog I had. Enjoy!
"Membership Matters" by Chuck Lawless
Dr. Chuck Lawless, the new Dean of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Missions, and Church Growth at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, KY, has written a wonderful volume entitled "Membership Matters: Insights from Effective Churches on New Member Classes and Assimilation." This is a wonderfully practical book! Included are:
* Survey findings with charts and graphs, accompanied by real stories from churches of all sizes;
* Appendicies which provide practical resources on church covenants, intivation letters, ministry opportunities checklist, etc.
* A pastors' forum gives firsthand insights into making membership matter.
I am encouraged by the trend of seeing churches training their congregants to the fact that church membership is more than a name on an roll. Southern Baptists need to learn this most of all, when only five million out of sixteen million members attend church on any given Sunday. Where are the other eleven million? They are likely resting in the fact that they "made a decision" many moons ago. But God saved us to bear fruit and be involved in a worship lifestyle made evident in ministry. Membership classes help every member everywhere to understand this necessity.
This is a great book! I also recommend Dr. Lawless' other work called "Discipled Warriors."
Categories: Book Review · Church Life · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Leadership
A church was looking for a pastor, so they invited several candidates to come and preach for them. One minister spoke on the text, “The wicked shall be turned into hell.” The head elder was not in favor of him. A few weeks later, another preacher came and used the same Scripture for his sermon. This time the head elder said, “He’s good! Let’s call him.” The other board members were surprised, and one of them asked, “Why did you like him? He used the same text as the other minister.” “True,” replied the head elder, “but when the second man emphasized that the lost will be turned into hell, he said it with tears in his yees and with concern in his voice. The first preacher almost seemed to gloat over it.”
One of the temptations when we preach is having the audience first in mind rather than the One who called us. As a result, we find ourselves preaching on issues that will not offend nor bring discomfort to our listeners. As a result, we avoid topics such as hell and our accountability before a holy God.
Yet, I believe that another temptation is to preach with the desire of obtaining a reputation of preaching hard regardless of what anyone else will think — and this, too, can become a source of pride as well. This first preacher mentioned in the above illustration gloated over preaching hard on a hard text.
I am all for expository preaching, where the preacher exposes (the root word of expository) what the text is saying as opposed to preaching that imposes the preacher’s meaning and desires on the text. And as we do preach verse-by-verse, texts will come up that are difficult not only to preach but will be difficult for our congregants to hear.
I plead with you (and I speak to myself as well) to keep Ephesians 4:15 in mind: “Speak the truth in love.” When we neglect love in preaching the truth, we come across as cold, calculated, and calloused to the hearts of our hearers. When we speak all love but neglect the truth, the compromise can creep in.
There is nothing more loving that speaking the truth! But when you preach the truth, ask God during your sermon preparation and even while you are preaching to give you a love and an empathy for your people so that you may see them truly as God sees them — in desperate need of connecting with the Sovereign God of the universe. To them, while you are preaching, you represent and speak the Word of God! So speak, feel, and love as God would!
Copyright (c) 2005 by Matt Perry, Matt Perry Dot Com. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to share this with whomever may find this of value. All we ask is that you please give credit to the author and ministry which he represents and that you do not change the wording. And please include the contact information: Treasure The Word, c/o Boone’s Creek Baptist Church, 185 N. Cleveland Rd., Lexington, KY 40509. (859) 263-5466.
Categories: For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students
One pastor never prepared during the week, and on Sunday morning he'd sit on the platform while the church was singing the hymns desperately praying, "Lord, give your message, Lord give me your message." One Sunday, while desperately praying for God's message, he heard the Lord say, "Ralph, here's my message. You're lazy!"
Some brag about how the Holy Spirit carries them on Sunday even though they do not spend time in prayer preparation from Monday through Saturday. It is more than about making a sermon, it is about the Holy Spirit making the man who is the vessel to deliver the sermon which the Holy Spirit gives! Study does not negate the Holy Spirit's work.
No! In fact, study helps galvanize the Holy Spirit's message in the speaker, thus having the sermon that's meant for the congregation transform the one preaching to that congregation.
Second Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We are to be students of the Word who know how the wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God! Why? When you look at Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, what is the only offensive piece of armor we are given? That's right — the sword of the Spirit! We have to know how to use our sword against the enemy and anything that sets itself up against the Kingdom of God.
I tell myself this first and foremost: don't be lazy in your study of the Word of God during the week. You will find a church transformed because they are hungry not for methods and gimmicks, but for the Word of God and the Living Bread and Water whom the Word presents — the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.
May God bless you as you wield your sword!
Categories: For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Uncategorized
In his wonderful work, "The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text," Sidney Griedanus writes something that really chimed with this pastor.
"For us today, words are often cheap. We think of words merely as something which is said. 'Action speaks louder than words,' we say, and thus we tend to separate words and action and ascribe greater value to action than to words. Although we would hesitate to call God's words 'cheap,' we often cheapen God's words by separating them from his deeds and, thinking about his words merely as words about his deeds. The Bible however does not separate God's words from his deeds. God's words are his deeds in the sense that they accomplish his purposes. … Similarly, God's word proclaimed by the prophets is not merely information about God's deeds but is itself a deed which accomplishes God's purposes (see Jeremiah 1:9-10, cf. 5:14). … In fact the preaching of the prophets was part and parcel of GOd's redemptive activity on earth. Donald Miller articulates this idea dramatically: "When … the prophets announced the word of God to men, they were not merely making speeches or just trading with ideas about God. Their word was rather … an embodiment of the agony of redemption, initiated at the Exodus but straining to be brought to fulfillment in a yet greater deliverance." (pp. 2-3).
Isn't this amazing for preachers? Victor Furnish notes that when the prophets spoke, they did not do so just to describe an event, but "it was an even. The word uttered is a deed done. … It was a word in which Yahweh himself was actively present and decisively accomplishing his purposes."
So why would preachers try to appeal to congregants for life-changing outside of the life-changing active Word of God.
Psalm 33:6-9
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host. …
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
Jeremiah 1:9-10
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,
"Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
[10] See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant."
Categories: Church Life · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students
by Rebecca Barnes, Editor, Church Central Today
After Maureen began attending our small group Bible study she began telephoning us nearly every day to discuss her problems. We soon learned every detail about her failed marriage, her wayward child, her overbearing boss, her health problems. It was usually a one-sided conversation that involved little more than several uh-huhs from me. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about her, I just didn’t want to have to care every day, and for someone who apparently gave no thought to reciprocating that care.
You probably have a Maureen in your life, too. If you are in ministry you probably have several Maureens. Difficult people seem to gravitate toward churches. That’s a good thing. Jesus said it is the sick who need a doctor.
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Categories: Church Life · For Preachers/Pastors · For Seminary Students · Leadership
