Moving from hermeneutics to homiletics with this great pre-weekend read:
Help, My Pastor Preaches too Long! #OurCOG
Have you ever sat through a movie that seemed like it wouldn’t end. Maybe it was a class where after a certain period of time it seemed like you checked out.
David M. Hinsen [02/20/2015 12:45 PM] I’ve personally been fascinated by this topic as of late. I usually preach anywhere from 27-40 minutes depending on the flow of service or the topic. I’m starting to learn how to keep the audience engaged and I actually get complaints if the sermon is too short which is opposite of what I typically see. I have found, although I haven’t used any of them, that there are lots of helps for pastors who are interested in strengthening their speaking ability. If I remember correctly, Maxwell has a program of sorts, but I’m sure a Google search would turn up some good results. There is nothing wrong with preaching through the Bible in terms of culture and setting etc., but people want personal application. What can you present to them Sunday morning that they won’t forget and that they can apply to their lives? Keep it interesting and fun!
David M. Hinsen [02/20/2015 12:50 PM] Also, with all the big terms and definitions I’ve been learning in the couple of theology classes I’ve taken interests me and I’m tempted to through around words and phrases that would leave people scratching their heads, so the question I ask myself is, “How can I incorporate the meaning of the term in an interesting way without confusing people and still allow the message to flow in a way that keeps people on the edge of their seat?” I don’t always know the answer, but it’s something I strive for.
Pentecostal Theology [02/20/2015 1:01 PM] Oh this one is easy. Just use the term “scintillating” – sky-n-till-eating, another masterful term rabbis use to disguise what they are telling us Rick Wadholm Jr #PENTECOSTAL
Marvin Elliott [02/20/2015 1:09 PM] B|
Charles Page [02/20/2015 1:27 PM] our sermons have to be friendly and comfortable for unregenerate sinners.
Pentecostal Theology [02/20/2015 1:39 PM] Just like John the Baptist’s were…
Michael Postlethwait [02/20/2015 1:46 PM] In fairness to Charles’ point: John is preaching to a nation that largely views itself as a godly nation. In fact, Jesus does seem to, to a point create a comfortable environment for acknowledged sinners as a way of reaching them.
Pentecostal Theology [02/20/2015 1:58 PM] Joel Osteen’s preaching is “friendly and comfortable for unregenerate sinners.” Hus, Luther, Wesley, Jonathan Edwards’s “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” not so much. But I agree there are times to make people comfortable. Back to the topic: One way to make people comfortable and show respect is not to preach too long. So how long is too long?
Our preacher preached good. About the time he needs to. We go past 12: Sometimes. But usually it great alter services that make it longer. I love good preaching. But I love good alter services too.
The very notion of “preachers preaching too long” does not fit any Biblical paradigm in which the Church is entrusted to preach the Everlasting Gospel till the end of times. Even more so, the notion of a congregational approval/acceptance of the length of a sermon or if the Message of Life is relevant to a reprobate mind is simply extraneous to the Scripture. http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/the-very-notion-of-preachers-preaching-too-long/
I asked a minister friend to visit a new church years ago. Turns out they were having a “prophet.” He took 2 hours taking up the offering. No kidding. It was embarrassing. He hid it pretty good but I think he was a little mad. Got to watch these special speakers with their accommodations and wind.
Long worship, long preaching, long offerings, long altar call, and a bunch of people we are not sure why they are at the mic talking long sums it about up
Varnel Watson
Michael Ellis Carter Jr. Terry Wiles 2 of your members sent us this
Terry Wiles
Lol. I don’t think so. They want to hear more.
Varnel Watson
since you are preaching once a year now 🙂
Louise Cummings
Our preacher preached good. About the time he needs to. We go past 12: Sometimes. But usually it great alter services that make it longer. I love good preaching. But I love good alter services too.
Varnel Watson
grandma Louise that’s because you ant heard Michael Ellis yet
Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
? ??? my church is usually happy when I get up and since I preach two locations they know I want be up to long ?most times
Varnel Watson
Joe Absher we got to visit that church and put things in perspectives
Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
Troy Day you will be disappointed
Varnel Watson
not gonna be my first time
Louise Cummings
How could I hear him. I see him on face book. But it doesn’t pick up a message.
Varnel Watson
The very notion of “preachers preaching too long” does not fit any Biblical paradigm in which the Church is entrusted to preach the Everlasting Gospel till the end of times. Even more so, the notion of a congregational approval/acceptance of the length of a sermon or if the Message of Life is relevant to a reprobate mind is simply extraneous to the Scripture. http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/the-very-notion-of-preachers-preaching-too-long/
Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
Yeah but we want to leave the falling asleep and tumbling out of windows legacy to Paul
Joe Absher
I asked a minister friend to visit a new church years ago. Turns out they were having a “prophet.” He took 2 hours taking up the offering. No kidding. It was embarrassing. He hid it pretty good but I think he was a little mad. Got to watch these special speakers with their accommodations and wind.
Varnel Watson
I;ve been in a service where the father of holy laughter did the same thing. Twice – yes, 4-5 hr service
Joe Absher
I don’t know if I could do that.
Terry Wiles
Ive been in services out of the country where I show up an hour late because I know the music will continue for an hour after I arrive.
Varnel Watson
excuses; in Pentecostalism we call the music worship Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
Long worship, long preaching, long offerings, long altar call, and a bunch of people we are not sure why they are at the mic talking long sums it about up
Louise Cummings
I love good Worship
Terry Wiles
Troy Day Not all of us do all of the time
Louise Cummings
I know God gave us many responsibilities. Some joyful and some hard. But I will rejoice in all God gave us to do.
Louise Cummings
What I’m saying is This is the Day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I’ll have to look up where it is written later.
Robert Erwine
people can sit through a two hour movie , why can’t they sit through a two hour service ?
Louise Cummings
Amen. I rather be in Church than be at a movie. It has to be something outstanding for me to go to a movie. Like the Blood Moons.
Varnel Watson
Ricky Grimsley I would sit through a 3-hour Perry sermon and still want more when its over