In my very limited experience with writing sermons, I have found that instead of an "outline" I usually have more of a flowchart of ideas and themes. After reflecting on commentaries, here is where I am so far...this will undoubtedly change about 10 more times before the sermon is complete!
A. Steering away from looking only at Thomas:
John 20:19 and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."
1. The disciples were locked in the house:Were they locking those they feared out? Or were they locked in, keeping out fear, grief for abandoning Jesus and their doubts. They had followed Jesus for three years and in the midst of his persecution they abandoned him. Isn't it easier to hide away when ridden with guilt? Hide behind excuses-separating us from the world.
2. Jesus comes to them and stands among them. Even when they have abandoned him, he comes giving them God's peace...isn't this the Good News of the Gospel.
B. Thomas as a truly modern disciple-doubt and discipleship
"Jesus’ appearance to Thomas reminds us that doubts do not disqualify us from discipleship. Jesus says to Thomas and to us, “Do not doubt, but believe.” The theologian Paul Tillich said that doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; rather it is an element of faith. Frederick Buechner, Presbyterian pastor and writer, puts it more basic terms. He says that if we don’t have any doubts, we’re either kidding ourselves or asleep. He characterizes doubts as “the ants in the pants” of faith—they keep it awake and moving! Doubts do not disqualify us from discipleship." - Rev. Mary Morrison
As is my usual practice, I will prayerfully reflect on which theme I feel will be most pertinent to my teaching parish and go from there. I think both of the above are good foundations for a solid sermon on either theme...or both combined...yeah, we'll see...as always, it'll change 10 times in the next 24 hours!
The thoughts of an eager seminarian at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The search continues...
Today in class I found quite a few websites I did not know existed until now. I personally have found Textweek, Working Preacher, Progressive Theology.org and Sermonspice to be the most helpful.
The commentaries I've read and liked were both from links I found on Textweek-one of which is on Working Preacher. I was drawn to a commentary that points out that Thomas is not "really" doubting, but is instead making a conditional statement...an if/then statement, really." If I see, then I will believe" I will most likely be looking more closely at this commentary amongst others as I prepare my sermon on the John 20:24-31. For as much as I've struggled with Greek, it amazes me that it's the first thing I look at when "sermonizing" on a text!!!!
I also love that as I'm going through the commentaries and thinking of lets say a movie clip or song, I can refer to sites like Sermonspice to see what others have done with the text via videoclips and music.
I continue digging in...we'll see where the internet and the Holy Spirit take me as I prepare this sermon...
The commentaries I've read and liked were both from links I found on Textweek-one of which is on Working Preacher. I was drawn to a commentary that points out that Thomas is not "really" doubting, but is instead making a conditional statement...an if/then statement, really." If I see, then I will believe" I will most likely be looking more closely at this commentary amongst others as I prepare my sermon on the John 20:24-31. For as much as I've struggled with Greek, it amazes me that it's the first thing I look at when "sermonizing" on a text!!!!
I also love that as I'm going through the commentaries and thinking of lets say a movie clip or song, I can refer to sites like Sermonspice to see what others have done with the text via videoclips and music.
I continue digging in...we'll see where the internet and the Holy Spirit take me as I prepare this sermon...
Online Preaching Resources
http://desperatepreacher.com/
http://www.preachingtoday.com/store/free.html
http://www.preaching.com/
http://www.sermoncentral.com/
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermon.html
http://www.sermonspice.com/
http://www.textweek.com/
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/index.php?ct=site.home
http://www.preachingtoday.com/store/free.html
http://www.preaching.com/
http://www.sermoncentral.com/
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermon.html
http://www.sermonspice.com/
http://www.textweek.com/
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/index.php?ct=site.home
Using Tech in the Preaching Event???
It is said that the new generation of worshipers learns not by words, but instead images. So the question for pastors becomes how to deliver a sermon that engages this tech savvy culture while still delivering the good news of the Gospel. There are many good articles for and against using technologies, such as Powerpoint and videos, during the preaching event. I would say both sides of the argument bring forth some very good and important points.
The bottom line is that things in our culture are changing. By the time I am a pastor, the majority of my congregation will have been at least exposed to the use of the newest technological advances, and in large part, used to getting much of their daily information in the form of images. So how as a preacher do you find the balance between still delivering each week to the congregation the fresh bread of Gospel while engaging your congregants in a way that will hold their attention?
I agree with the use of images and music as a way to bring the main points of a sermon to a crescendo, so to speak. I don't however see myself giving a glorified "self-help" seminar each week, with me simply flipping through slides on Powerpoint. In an "anti-Powerpoint" article by Philip Quanbeck, he points out the danger of delivering a slideshow, using the "bells and whistles" of Powerpoint to engage the audience. I would have to say I agree with his point and in large part using this approach detracts from the richness of the proclamation.
So how can we be sure we are speaking this "new language" that our congregations are speaking? And how do we still ensure that we're using technology in a way that does not detract from our message? I think the best way would be to go to the congregation, to try different things, but to still make sure of one thing: each week in preparation for your proclamation you are prayerfully considering the text, the circumstances of the congregation you are speaking to and reflecting on how the Holy Spirit is moving you to prepare the sermon.
I think technology is an amazing thing that makes life easier and interesting. I also believe that the use of technology can enhance a sermons message, as long as the preacher does not allow the ease technology adds to preparation/presentation to detract from the spiritual preparation it should involve.
So, what are your thoughts? How do you see technology changing the way we interact with your congregations? And for parishioners...how would you feel about technology being incorporated into your pastor's sermon each week?
The bottom line is that things in our culture are changing. By the time I am a pastor, the majority of my congregation will have been at least exposed to the use of the newest technological advances, and in large part, used to getting much of their daily information in the form of images. So how as a preacher do you find the balance between still delivering each week to the congregation the fresh bread of Gospel while engaging your congregants in a way that will hold their attention?
I agree with the use of images and music as a way to bring the main points of a sermon to a crescendo, so to speak. I don't however see myself giving a glorified "self-help" seminar each week, with me simply flipping through slides on Powerpoint. In an "anti-Powerpoint" article by Philip Quanbeck, he points out the danger of delivering a slideshow, using the "bells and whistles" of Powerpoint to engage the audience. I would have to say I agree with his point and in large part using this approach detracts from the richness of the proclamation.
So how can we be sure we are speaking this "new language" that our congregations are speaking? And how do we still ensure that we're using technology in a way that does not detract from our message? I think the best way would be to go to the congregation, to try different things, but to still make sure of one thing: each week in preparation for your proclamation you are prayerfully considering the text, the circumstances of the congregation you are speaking to and reflecting on how the Holy Spirit is moving you to prepare the sermon.
I think technology is an amazing thing that makes life easier and interesting. I also believe that the use of technology can enhance a sermons message, as long as the preacher does not allow the ease technology adds to preparation/presentation to detract from the spiritual preparation it should involve.
So, what are your thoughts? How do you see technology changing the way we interact with your congregations? And for parishioners...how would you feel about technology being incorporated into your pastor's sermon each week?
Monday, January 3, 2011
And Doubting Thomas it shall be...
One of my classmates pointed out to me today that most teaching parish students and interns preach the second Sunday of Easter. We all know the text well...we get the doubting Thomas story each year on that same second Sunday. With that in mind, I figured what better way to breath some new life in the Doubting Thomas text than through trying to incorporate technology.
Obviously, I need to start with the basics and do some research on commentaries and Greek translation. I'm also thinking about the use of technology with my teaching parish. They are accustomed to having PowerPoint used during the contemporary 11am service. I wonder, however, how it would be received at the 8:30am service. But I'm thinking what better text to introduce the use of technology, than on the 2nd Sunday of Easter with a story they all know so well.
Any thoughts?
I'll be posting some of my ideas as I do a bit more research and exegetical work...stay tuned...
Obviously, I need to start with the basics and do some research on commentaries and Greek translation. I'm also thinking about the use of technology with my teaching parish. They are accustomed to having PowerPoint used during the contemporary 11am service. I wonder, however, how it would be received at the 8:30am service. But I'm thinking what better text to introduce the use of technology, than on the 2nd Sunday of Easter with a story they all know so well.
Any thoughts?
I'll be posting some of my ideas as I do a bit more research and exegetical work...stay tuned...
Wow...I've gotta blog!
Those who know me know that technology is not my thing! Today I am sitting in my first J-term class on Preaching and Technology!! Here's to hoping old dogs can be taught new tricks!
My mind is wandering to a text I will preach on during Lent: John 11.
My mind is wandering to a text I will preach on during Lent: John 11.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)