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Concordia Theological Monthly

Publication Date

4-1-1940

Document Type

Article

Keywords

preacher, sermon, manuscript, outline

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

Wrong methods make sermon work wearisome toil; right methods make it a pleasant task. Good instruction, based upon the experience of all great preachers and speakers, should not be undervalued. Old and tried methods should not be discarded merely because they are old. The young, inexperienced preacher may prefer to do things in his own way, believing this to be the eaiser way and yet just as effective. The fact is that it is neither. The man, far instance, who reads his sermon in the pulpit will never be a forceful preacher. Reading lacks the directness which makes speaking effective. The preacher or speaker should be the master of his subject, thoroughly understand it, be filled up with it, be eager to tell it to others, and, when before an audience, be unshackled, so that, having his mind on his subject and on his hearers, he will speak not only with his voice but also with his eyes, his facial expressions, his gestures, and, in fact, with his entire body. Is it, then, perhaps advisable that, after all, a manuscript be altogether dispensed with, even in the preparation of the sermon? No, never altogether; in the beginning of a preacher's career not at all.

Disciplines

Practical Theology

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

2 Corinthians 5:20; Luke 10:16;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

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