Worship QuestionsBelow is a sample of a sermon I preached recently. I also have included some common questions I face when I am presenting on my approach to preaching and the worship hour.
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What is the Role of the Sermon?The primary role of the sermon is to persuade. The sermon acts on the will, while teaching works on the head. Teaching is meant to change the world view of a listener, while preaching is meant to change the orientation of the heart.
To that end if the congregation is inviting many lost people, a primary purpose of the sermon is to evangelize. If not, the main purpose of the sermon in church life is to draw the listener into a deeper relationship with Jesus. |
What Sorts of Sermons Do You Preach?Because the scriptures are the surest foundation for a life, I preach Expository and Topical Expository sermons. I want to stay rooted to the Greek and Hebrew, the manners and customs and archeology to bring to life this amazing book we call the Bible.
I do insert lots of humor and have fun with my sermons. But in the end, I live for hearing from my flock that they found a new and deeper understanding of a Christian worldview from something I taught. |
Sermon Length?The better question is, "Can you hold my attention and yet get me to understand the Bible better?" The real truth is, no preacher can change your world view in a 15 minute sermon. I preach for somewhere between 25-35 minutes. My hope is that when I finish, you are actually sorry that the sermon ended when it did. I want to leave you wanting more! Hopefully that sparks more exploration on your own at home, or as we fellowship after the worship hour is over.
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Are you Technologically Savvy?I use presentation software, and often include other media in when preaching, including video. I am able to craft films on my own using Macintosh software and an iPhone. In fact, the video you see above was edited by myself for the purpose of sharing it with others through the internet. I have also crafted video for use in Bible Studies and for Junior Church.
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Worship Music?The short answer is I prefer a "blended" worship style. That said, here is my longer answer to the question of the "worship wars."
I love traditional hymns for their great melodies and time tested truth. I also love Third Day, Sonic Flood, and some old school Petra. I've been known to listen to Christian Pop Radio, and find a worshipful song I can use in the worship hour. I certainly am not sold on the idea that going all contemporary is the way to breathe life in a church. I also think that a commitment to using only traditional ignores some truly worshipful songs which have been produced since the 1970's. In the end, my guiding philosophy is "no one gets left behind." We can't just toss traditional worship, but do we dare claim nothing good was produced after the Gaithers? I am happy to share more if you have questions about this rather divisive topic. |