What memories spring to mind when asked to recall the moments that have best helped shape you as a preacher? I first preached aged 19, and in the 15 years since, there have been certain experiences – including many missteps! – that I can point to which have contributed towards my own ongoing development.
Whether you’re in need of some pulpit wisdom, or simply want a giggle, here are the confessions of a young (and often naive) preacher….
Unfinished sermon Let me begin by telling you about the sermon that I never finished.
Shortly after finishing Bible College, I was due to preach at my home church. All week I’d been struggling to finalise the message, but inspiration evaded me. Consequently, Sunday morning arrived and I was underprepared and apprehensive, hoping that when the moment came, so would the words.
The moment arrived but the words didn’t. I tried to get around it by rephrasing stuff I’d said, but it lacked coherence and conviction. I felt like a car spluttering to a stop as it runs out of petrol. Resigned to defeat, I apologised and said I had to finish. The worship team played a song, whilst I took a seat at the back of the church and cried.
