Earl Creps has some interesting thoughts and questions in regards to preaching: Why is the average sermon less interesting than the average sitcom?
Unfortunately Earl is right…I hate the fact that I’m a preacher and almost always I get bored when I hear other preachers preach…Well except for Rob Bell, Erwin McManus, Matt Chandler & Tim Keller.
Here is why I think I get bored:
- Preacher is to conservative…They are Mr. Nice guys.
- Preacher lacks depth and individuality.
- Preacher tries to say to much.
- Preacher lacks creativity.
- Preacher is not funny or natural.
- Preacher does not believe what he preaches.
- Preacher does not connect on an intellectual or artistic level.
- Preacher preaches fluff and more fluff.
- Preacher seems to say the same thing over and over every Sunday.
- Preacher does not have a team, I get tired of hearing the same dude every Sunday.
I will end with saying this: Preaching is VERY hard and I think very few preachers (including myself) don’t take enough time to master the pulpit, understand humor and become great at what they do. Colleges and Seminaries are not helping…When I look back at my 2 preaching classes I simply cringe.
I think the preaching program at aGts will be a big help at least in our movement for improving quality preaching…I just wish they started earlier, it started more than halfway through my program and if I had know I would have done it in a heartbeat even if I wasn’t going to be a head pastor per se. good thoughts though.