John, I hear you--especially with regards to children's sermons. But when it comes to songs, I'm learning that 1.) most people really aren't paying that much attention anyway 2.) I'm really not that good of a preacher--I need all the help I can get! I think having songs and prayers that link it with the theme, use key words etc are a great way to start people down the path I'm hoping they will walk with me during the message, to plant seeds in their minds. Doing so ultimatley strengthens the overall effect of the sermon, rather than weakens it. Since I happen to work with Joy, I'm obviously biased...but I think she is on to something. We preachers can be a fearful and possesive bunch. Perhaps everyone would benefit if we stopped thinking the sermon is "it" (or more pointedly, that WE are "it") and start thinking of the sermon as one piece of the larger whole that we call the worship service.
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Hey there
Posted in: Worship Glue: Sticking the Pieces Together
John, I hear you--especially with regards to children's sermons. But when it comes to songs, I'm learning that 1.) most people really aren't paying that much attention anyway 2.) I'm really not that good of a preacher--I need all the help I can get! I think having songs and prayers that link it with the theme, use key words etc are a great way to start people down the path I'm hoping they will walk with me during the message, to plant seeds in their minds. Doing so ultimatley strengthens the overall effect of the sermon, rather than weakens it. Since I happen to work with Joy, I'm obviously biased...but I think she is on to something. We preachers can be a fearful and possesive bunch. Perhaps everyone would benefit if we stopped thinking the sermon is "it" (or more pointedly, that WE are "it") and start thinking of the sermon as one piece of the larger whole that we call the worship service.