Saturday, August 08, 2009

One of the hardest things about preaching is....

narrowing down all of the really cool things you have learned into one short sermon on a passage. At some point, you have to edit out what is important for people to know and what is less important for people to know. But deep down, you really want everyone to know and enjoy all of the little details and intricacies of a passage you are preaching. And to enjoy them. But that would bore everyone and take over an hour.

I keep thinking of the movie "A River Runs Through It" when the boys come into their father's study with their writing assignment in hand. And their father places several red marks through their writing. Good. Now half as long. And then they were off to write some more.

A lot of times, preaching feels like this. Just thinking....

2 comments:

Jason Bowker said...

I like those thoughts Clint. I've been thinking about that lately. I heard Rob Bell say at the preaching conference that there is a huge difference between 'having to say something' and 'having something to say.' Sounds like you really have something to say and can't wait for people to be blown away by the Scriptures in the same way YOU have been blown away.

rubyslipperlady said...

I can imagine. I have heard several pastors and speakers who have not learned to make the cut. I have been that speaker at times. There's just so much good stuff to share!

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