I was recently asked by one of my...what’s the phrase I’m looking for...adoring, foot washing, koo koo for me fans...I guess that’s close enough. You get it. Anyhow...
I was recently asked, “Brother Preacher, is it true that you are actually a self-taught preacher?”
The answer is “no”. Though it DOES come across that way sometimes. But thank-you for the compliment.
I am actually a highly trained Minister of the Word, having studied for 9 years at the Sunshine School of Preaching, Colorado Springs.
That’s sounds more impressive that it is considering the fact that it was only a 6-month course. Still, I enjoyed my time there - probably more than I should have.
In the meantime I have become what is called an “Improviser of Sermons” or if you will a “Sermproviser.” I just make ‘em up as I go!
This is why my sermons tend to have that fresh, "what the heck is he talkin’ about", “look what I found” feel about them. The reason they feel that way is because that is exactly what they are! Amazing how that works.
I love making up sermons. Unlike a lot of Preachers, sometimes, I actually LEARN something from MY sermons. That's because as I’m listening to my sermon, it is as new to ME as it is to anybody else. It's like a "Sermon Surprise" every time I open my mouth!
It’s a weird experience, really. I had a doctor friend who used to do surgeries the same way. HE was a RIOT to hang around with, lemme tell ya! These days, he's down in Arizona, enjoying his time as a full-time landscaper. Anyhow...
I think the most important part of making up or “Sermprovising” any sermon, is to not panic. Just trust that your years of study will surface at just the right time and give you what needs to be said.
When that DOESN’T happen know that you can always depend on having a good song leader who gets bored easily and who will happily cut you off after about 25 minutes. Or 5 minutes, depending on how big the train wreck is.
As long as you have those two things - and an ample supply of stories about your kids - you TOO can “Sermprovise” with confidence knowing that...
Oops...here comes my radio song leader - out of time! Gotta go.
As together we stand and sing.
BP
