Toolbox For Faith

I was with a group of pastors the other day who were talking about resources for preaching.  The group listed several commentaries and favorite books, plus websites like: Textweek.com, and WorkingPreacher.org as possible resources. We also discussed the value of pericope study both with colleagues and with congregational members.

Last Thursday however, I was reminded that one of the best resources for improving my preaching is the congregation I serve. I was talking with one of my senior adult members who said with a gentle, coaching spirit, “I finally figured out why I have trouble hearing you when you are preaching. You just go a little too quickly.” I trust her judgement and so this past Sunday, I made an intentional effort to move a little more slowly through my sermon. The pauses seemed a little long and unnatural to me, but I tried it and the results were dramatic. After the service, three different senior adults made a point of telling me that they heard every word I said. Just to me sure I wasn’t going too slowly, I asked a few younger folks about the pacing and they said it was fine. The change in pace was relatively simple, but without the coaching of my congregation I would never have known that I needed to make the change.