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Paul

I am curious about what others are feeling about the "written and read" sermon form. I mostly don't like it; it feels harder to "take in" the images and ideas than when it is in the story telling form. What do you folks think?

I received this in an email this morning.

Ok, so words of wisdom from George Carlin of all people, but whatever the source, he's right on with this one. On the heels of what we discussed in church this morning, it's worth reading and thinking about:

Subject: Words of Wisdom


A Paradox Message by George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we
have
taller buildings but shorter tempers,
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less.
We buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,
more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees, but less sense,
more knowledge, but less judgment,
more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much,
smoke too much,
spend too recklessly,
laugh too little,
drive too fast,
get too angry,
stay up too late,
get up too tired,
read too little,
watch TV too much,
and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions,
but reduced our values.
We talk too much,
love too seldom,
and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living,
but not a life.
We've added years to life
not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet a
new neighbor.
We conquered the atom,
but not our prejudice.
We write more,
but learn less.
We plan more,
but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush,
but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information
to produce more copies
but communicate less.

These are the times of fast foods
and slow digestion,
big men
and small character,
steep profits
and shallow relationships.

These are the days of
two incomes
but more divorce,
fancier houses
but broken homes.
These are days of
quick trips,
disposable diapers,
throwaway mortality,
one night stands,
overweight bodies,
and pill that does everything from
cheer,
to quiet,
to kill.

It is a time
when there is much in the showroom window
and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to
you,
and a time when you can choose either to share
this insight,
or just hit delete.

Remember to
spend some time with your loved ones
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember to
say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in
awe
because that little person soon will grow up and
leave your side.
Remember to
give a warm hug to the one next to you
because that is the only treasure you can give
with your heart
and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to
say "I love you" to your partner
and your loved ones,
but most of all - mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend a hurt
when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to
hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there.

Give time to love,
give time to speak and
give time to share.

ESTELLE:I'm all in favor of no written sermons...that's why we hired Buddy.. Any sermon, talk, lecture, speech or whatever is more interesting when not read. A story is ok as long as it doesn't just repeat ad nauseum what we just heard in the scripture before it. The story needs to be short...then the lesson from it...the main point...and then get out. A sermon should do three things to be successful:
1) educate the congregation on the scripture and background
2) relate the relevance
3) leave us with a point to ponder or move us to action.

I think I mostly agree. While the written sermon provides organized substance, it loses spontanaity (I really don't know how to spell that)and freshness, for lack of a better word. I too like the story approach.

Maybe an adlib sermon with the benefit of a written outline would work better. Buddy is a great story teller and I think that skill gets somewhat lost in the boundaries of the written sermon. On the other hand, I do like the structure provided by a written sermon, so again, maybe just a written outline.

I am not particularly interested in having the scripture retold in different words. I am much more interested in hearing practical application ideas driven by the scripture which apply to my life here and now. What lesson/s can be derived from the scripture and how do I "live" the scripture in my daily life?

Part of what DOESN'T work for me in the way we do sermons in church is that the congregations relationship to it is passive; we just listen. I like the idea of this site because it gives us a chance to react to the material and think about how to apply it personally. I am way behind on that score; I am still wrestling with the "Jesus repented" thing Buddy got into a few Sundays ago. I still don't have the "metanoia as repentance" idea.

I don't appreciate "adlib" sermons as they usually don't work effectively. Unless the minister is extremely skilled, adlib sermons tend to ramble and repeat points without cohesion and direction, which dilutes or even loses the message intended. With only ten to fifteen minutes to get a clear and concise message across, sermons need to be thoughtfully prepared beforehand and edited carefully. This means writing them out, but not necessarily reading them from the pupit in a rote fashion. It is hard work, but since the sermon is the "heart" of the service, a necessary element of the minister's calling. Written sermons also provide the congregation present and those not present with an opportunity to further reflect on the message and/or provide feedback.

I like the "adlib" format. I believe that Jesus used it very effectively. I doubt that he ever had a written sermon. Instead he had the main points in his mind and after surveying the crowd, he told stories and preached in a manner designed to help his listeners understand the message. Pastors today who are adept at story telling and conversation can get their messages across to the majority of listeners in this way.