On The Sermon #4: Stuff like pronouns matter.
This is part #4 in a series called "On The Sermon".
Sermons are personal things. By their very nature they deal with issues that lie close to each of our hearts.
Forgiveness, Confession, Repentance, Loving your enemy...
Simply stating one of these concepts can offend.
And most good sermons are and should be offensive in one way or another.
But here's the thing about the offensiveness of a sermon: that offense should also be felt by the person giving the sermon.
Over the past few years, as I've given sermons, I've often found myself using the pronoun 'you' quite often. I found myself saying things like, "you should...", "you only have to...", "if you just...".
I knew that I wasn't above the suggestions and encouragements I was giving, but if you were listening to me, you might think that I thought I was.
Pronouns matter. We (you and me) must place ourselves in the same boat as the audience we are speaking to.
When giving a sermon, consider using "our" instead of "your" and "we"instead of "you."
Sermons are already offensive enough. By allowing ourselves to be offended and encouraged by the message of Jesus with our audience, we are suddenly allowing Jesus to take on the role of offender.
We're always better off when he's the one doing the offending.
Note: This is a series on the Sermon... This is part 4 of many. Keep on the lookout for more updates.
Disclaimer Part 1: I'm no expert. I've given just enough sermons to know how difficult they are to give and how much I have to learn (a lot!).
Disclaimer Part 2: Public speaking is a passion of mine. While none of these tips are all-encompassing, the tips will offer unique and, I think, helpful reminders/lessons for how to best engage your audience.
Forgiveness, Confession, Repentance, Loving your enemy...
Simply stating one of these concepts can offend.
And most good sermons are and should be offensive in one way or another.
But here's the thing about the offensiveness of a sermon: that offense should also be felt by the person giving the sermon.
Over the past few years, as I've given sermons, I've often found myself using the pronoun 'you' quite often. I found myself saying things like, "you should...", "you only have to...", "if you just...".
I knew that I wasn't above the suggestions and encouragements I was giving, but if you were listening to me, you might think that I thought I was.
Pronouns matter. We (you and me) must place ourselves in the same boat as the audience we are speaking to.
When giving a sermon, consider using "our" instead of "your" and "we"instead of "you."
Sermons are already offensive enough. By allowing ourselves to be offended and encouraged by the message of Jesus with our audience, we are suddenly allowing Jesus to take on the role of offender.
We're always better off when he's the one doing the offending.
Note: This is a series on the Sermon... This is part 4 of many. Keep on the lookout for more updates.
Disclaimer Part 1: I'm no expert. I've given just enough sermons to know how difficult they are to give and how much I have to learn (a lot!).
Disclaimer Part 2: Public speaking is a passion of mine. While none of these tips are all-encompassing, the tips will offer unique and, I think, helpful reminders/lessons for how to best engage your audience.
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