Joshua Benton

I'm all for nipping! I do it from time to time. My father-in-law is a pastor in the Chicago area and he and I are always "borrowing" each other's ideas. Pastor friends and I also pass back and forth ideas. Sometimes I even quote them. In a preaching class of mine at Fuller, we talked about verbal footnotes. Use what other people say as long as you acknowledge.

Coming back to my original thought, though, I guess with the sermon series put out by Saddleback, Willowcreek, LifeChurch.tv and others, they all state that it is a sermon series based upon this particular book, church, person, etc. Before you begin preaching people know where you are getting it from. But we can't just repeat what was written in the series given. For me personally, I feel like that is cheating. When I've done series based off of programs provided, I've still struggled with the message, wrestled with the text and presented what the Holy Spirit had moved in my heart to say using the program as a stepping board to helping us hear God's word for us. We hear God's Word first and then everything else is gravy in helping us interpret and apply it to our lives.

I know that in many CRCs in the past, people had become upset about pastors using material like this, mainly because they are being paid to write original sermons, not someone else's and use original ideas not already pre-packaged ones. Out of curiosity, what is the denomination's stance on this?

Henry...

Just a reply to your comment from back in April. I'm starting a series on Habakkuk which I am borrowing from Lifechurch.tv. It's a good solid series and from watching the podcasts of the messages, he has done his homework. But I'm still going back to the Hebrew in this. And I'm glad I did. I've found a few differences in interpretation and even translation and understanding that he had.

This is a springboard to launch off of. I will be giving props where props are due. I am westling with the text this week. I wouldn't expect less of myself if I didn't wrestle with the text and bring to light what is in it. It is also helpful to receive input from others, but in the end, it is the work done by struggling with the text and bringing it before the congregation and allowing the Holy Spirit to use it.

Kelib...

Borrowing from someone elses sermon does further the reach of the words. I myself am borrowing from Lifechurch.tv for a series right now, but props need to be given where they are due. Just like in research papers, you need to cite your material. Borrow the words but let them help you with the wrestling with the text rather than a crutch. Let them be part of the work you do not the only work. Allow them to reach but make sure people know where you got it from.

I like your suggestion on reporting on my prayer life and spiritual development. So far I've been reporting my time on sermons, books read, and visitations and meetings. I reported my prayer time and spiritual development at my last council meeting and they appreciated that. one of the reasons why I like the Network and it's forums.