The Preaching Forest
Just thought I'd share some random reflections on preaching.
I used to study about 20-30 hours per message early on in ministry. I don't study quite as much now. I'm reading strategically weeks in advance. But my sermon prep is usually closer to fifteen hours per week. I honestly think one hour of prayer is worth two hours of sermon prep.
I feel like I'm preaching a little bit more out of experience than out of study these days. This is going to sound heretical, but I think you can over-study. Sometimes I go into what I call the preaching forest and if I venture too far I can't see the forest through the trees. I lose my perspective. I lose my point. My message can actually become muddled.
I'm more and more convinced that the best messages have one organizing metaphor. It is the law of scope--more is less and less is more. That is a huge challenge when I talk about chasing lions. I want to preach all 200 pages, but I really need to limit it to one dimension of lion chasing.
I think of it as the bed of nails principle. If you lay down on a bed of nails they won't penetrate your skin because the pressure is diffused. That is what happens when we try to say too much. But one nail penetrates! That is why I believe in one-point preaching.
One more thought. I typically preach from a manuscript. The upside to a manuscript is that your words are measured. But it can come across as scripted. I think I'm continuing to grow in my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Really trying to discern what the Spirit wants to say.
I always hope that what I say is timeless--based on the eternal truth. But I also want it to be timely--the right word at the right time. Nothing like someone coming up after a message with tears in their eyes saying, "That was for me."
By the way, one of our staff members asked me today if I get nervous when I speak. All the time! I don't get nervous at NCC, but I get serious butterflies everytime I speak someplace new. I think that nervousness keeps me relying on God.
One more thought. I still believe content is king. You've got to preach every sermon like it's the last sermon you'll ever preach!
I used to study about 20-30 hours per message early on in ministry. I don't study quite as much now. I'm reading strategically weeks in advance. But my sermon prep is usually closer to fifteen hours per week. I honestly think one hour of prayer is worth two hours of sermon prep.
I feel like I'm preaching a little bit more out of experience than out of study these days. This is going to sound heretical, but I think you can over-study. Sometimes I go into what I call the preaching forest and if I venture too far I can't see the forest through the trees. I lose my perspective. I lose my point. My message can actually become muddled.
I'm more and more convinced that the best messages have one organizing metaphor. It is the law of scope--more is less and less is more. That is a huge challenge when I talk about chasing lions. I want to preach all 200 pages, but I really need to limit it to one dimension of lion chasing.
I think of it as the bed of nails principle. If you lay down on a bed of nails they won't penetrate your skin because the pressure is diffused. That is what happens when we try to say too much. But one nail penetrates! That is why I believe in one-point preaching.
One more thought. I typically preach from a manuscript. The upside to a manuscript is that your words are measured. But it can come across as scripted. I think I'm continuing to grow in my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Really trying to discern what the Spirit wants to say.
I always hope that what I say is timeless--based on the eternal truth. But I also want it to be timely--the right word at the right time. Nothing like someone coming up after a message with tears in their eyes saying, "That was for me."
By the way, one of our staff members asked me today if I get nervous when I speak. All the time! I don't get nervous at NCC, but I get serious butterflies everytime I speak someplace new. I think that nervousness keeps me relying on God.
One more thought. I still believe content is king. You've got to preach every sermon like it's the last sermon you'll ever preach!
8 Comments:
Great thoughts Mark...I noticed you preach from a manuscript. I do the same. There is this thought running that you shouldn't; that you should internalize the message, but I feel that it is ok...these are my thoughts on paper and effort...and that will shine through to our listeners.
The other day I preached in a different manner due to the setting and my peeps noticed the difference. When you lead from the pulpit your people get to know you and recognize your thoughts from your style.
Keep up all you do...I sure wish I could be up there at the Buzz Conference with you guys but my church probably won't send their Youth Pastor all the way from Texas. It would be nice if you guys could podcast a few sessions.
Making Difference Makers
i never manuscripted until my preaching class in college.
i analyzed over every word while writing getting it "perfect," and it killed my presentation cause i was pretty tied to my notes.
so, now i have to use what i call a manubrief. i'm still trying to figure out if it's best for me.
thanks for the great preaching reminders.
I am stuck in a pile of sermon notes right now, trying to figure out where to go this weekend.
I needed this post. Thanks.
"One point preaching".... From a person who sits in the pews perspective this is great. Whenever too many points are addressed I leave with my head spinning and often confuse the points. When it is one point I leave thinking on that one point and applying it to my life.
sarah
"The right word at the right time has the power to change the world." - You
I love making quotes that are hidden in a message. This is what I take away from your blog.
Use it. It's yours!
Mark,
I preach from a mind map. You should try it out. It is basically the same thing as a manuscript, but it leaves enough blank space that you automatically don't sound scripted. This is the way Ed Young Jr. preaches. I love it...won't ever go back.
Plus, it works much better for my type A personality. Buy THIS BOOK. It has helped me in my message delivery a ton.
Mark,
I preach from a mind map. You should try it out. It is basically the same thing as a manuscript, but it leaves enough blank space that you automatically don't sound scripted. This is the way Ed Young Jr. preaches. I love it...won't ever go back.
Plus, it works much better for my type A personality. Buy THIS BOOK. It has helped me in my message delivery a ton.
PM:
You are a Jedi Knight. :) Love the nail principle. Ignites a book idea...
"I think of it as the bed of nails principle. If you lay down on a bed of nails they won't penetrate your skin because the pressure is diffused. That is what happens when we try to say too much. But one nail penetrates!"
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