I've always been a believer in continuing education and at age 47 I'm putting my money where my mouth is (what an interesting phrase!) by beginning a doctorate degree through ACTS - A Program of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools. The emphasis of the degree will be on preaching and eventually (Good Lord willing) the degree will be conferred through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago.I thought I would chart some of this journey through my blog - but rather than bore you with minutia I will try to post things I am learning through my studies. My work has already begun - primarily the reading of some twenty text books that need to be completed prior to the residency classes. I'll be in residency three weeks each summer over the next three years. I'm also privileged to work with a group of my congregation members on a particular ministry project.
So, here's something I recently learned... One of the books I’m reading for my classwork discusses the importance of how we listen to sermons. Stress is usually placed on how the sermon is delivered, the content, context, preaching style… this is important – no doubt. But equally important is the consideration of how we listen to sermons.
1) Do we listen to sermons with our heads – seeking to better understand God, our beliefs, importance of scripture, answers to questions…
2) Do we listen to sermons with our hearts – our faith makes its home in our heart. We feel rather than understand the gospel and respond to God’s love. Feeling is a way of knowing. Response to sermons stirs emotions and the listener may say, “Don’t just tell me to love my neighbor, help me feel love for my neighbor.”
3) Do we listen to sermons through action – ‘faith without works is dead’ These listeners seek a way of life pleasing to God, through their actions. This listener is looking for direction from God through the sermon.
4) Do we listen to sermons through worship – through the congregation as it worships. When members of the congregation pray, sing, say the Lord’s prayer, offer tithes, celebrate the sacraments… the congregation is preaching and the spirit is uplifted.
There are other ways of how we listen to sermons listed in this book (When God Speaks Through You, Craig Satterlee). These are just a few I thought interesting.
BTW – there is a whole chapter of this book dedicated to ‘why we sit where we do’! Some want to sit right in front to connect better with the pastor. Some want to sit closer to the choir. Some want to sit with a good view to the cross or a stained glass picture. Some want to see the other congregation members better. So many different dynamics in our worship time. Who knew?!!
