Emotionally Healthy Preaching: Part 2

This is Part 2 of the integration of emotional health and preaching. Again, these points emerged out of multiple conversations between Rich Villodas and I around preaching in our context at New Life Fellowship Church. The following is the second of three parts on our learnings.

• Leave ample time in prayer and meditation around the text (e.g. lectio divina, memorizing the text).
• Utilize the power of community exegesis. Talk with others about your message beforehand.
• Connect your message to equipping/connecting opportunities, leading people to action (e.g. workshops on Skills, genogram workshop, retreats, Daily Offices, Day Alone with God, small group connections).
• Be vulnerable and broken around the intersection of this truth and your humanity/journey with Christ.
• Be sure to create an introduction that answers the question: “Why listen to this?”
• Clear transitions are important throughout the sermon.
• Be intentional to emphasize that all of life is holy (work, recreation, sexuality, vacation, buying a car, friendships).  Watch your language. For example: Everyone is called to  “full time ministry.”
• Be careful not to seek validation from the congregation when you are preaching. You aren’t ready to preach until the focus is on them and not on you.