Hints and helps in pastoral theology by William S Plumer (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 19 (Mooted points about preaching).
Today's discussion is over some 'mooted' points about preaching.
Firstly Plumer looks at what is the best method of delivering sermons, including:
(i) no special preparation;
(ii) writing out fully every word of the sermon and then servilely reading the whole;
(iii) writing out fully every word and being very familiar with its content, only occasionally glancing at it;
(iv) writing out fully every word and then thoroughly committing it to memory;
(v) carefully composing the whole discourse in the mind, committing it to memory as it was composed and then delivering it to a word as it was laid away in the mind;
(vi) fully studying the subject, being master of its strong points, arranging them with care, and trusting to the occasion for words and expressions.
Secondly Plumer examines what a minister ought to think respecting his success or want of success in preaching. He comments that:
(i) any real and desirable success is the gift of God;
(ii) men sow that they may reap and by the divine blessing, ordinarily careful culture of the soil is followed by increase;
(iii) if one is not successful in his ministry it ought to lead to great heart-searchings;
(iv) it is one of the greatest trials of a good man's life to see things dying out under his ministry;
(v) the want of success often leads to sourness of temper and makes men quarrel with their generation;
(vi) persevere and cultivate confidence in God.
Thirdly Plumer gives the reader some hints on preaching from different authors.
Fourthly Plumer discusses the use of rhetorical figures, parables and anecdotes.
I found helpful Plumer's comments about those who make no preparation for their preaching: 'Some make no special preparation for any given sermon; but rely wholly on their general acquaintance with theological truth and the wants of the people. Such commonly, though not always, fall short of what was reasonably expected of them in the pulpit. Their ordinary discourses do not rise above their best tone of conversation, and are not at all equal to their speeches in church courts or popular assemblies. In strange places they sometimes are very able, and make a profound impression by presenting a summary of their religious belief, or by falling into a vein of thought familiar to themselves, yet new to their hearers. But habitually in their own pulpits they are comparatively flat and feeble. Indeed, it is often worse than this. As Saul wandered over the hills of Judea, going he knew not where, in quest of his father's asses, so these men often rove about in quest of something to say, and can not find it. The sight of them is pitiful. One of the sad things is that their evil habits grow upon them. They become stubborn, perhaps irritable, and not unfrequently complain and scold. If a man would habitually preach well, he must habitually make special preparation for the pulpit. If without sloth or neglect on his part he should be unable to make careful preparation for some unexpected occasion, he may then safely cast himself upon God's mercy, and confidently ask for unusual aid, nor will he ask in vain. '
Hard work outside the pulpit is a necessary part of good preaching.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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