A Comprehensive Introduction to Sermon Options and Structures

A Comprehensive Introduction to Sermon Options and Structures KENTON C. ANDERSON Overview with Discussion Questions and Practical Exercises chapter 1

First question: Are you going to preach?

Are you going to preach? No … No one will ever force you to preach, though they may try to force your silence. Silence is always safer.

discussion question 1 Is Preaching Arrogant? Preachers seem too sure of themselves for these postmodern times. Claiming to understand enough truth for one's own sense of meaning takes courage, but proclaiming the same to others requires a particular sense of hubris, or so the culture thinks. • How can a preacher avoid the charge of arrogance? • How do we tell people truth without coming across as if we think we are superior?

discussion question 2 Can Preaching Be Confrontational? Is a warlike approach to preaching ever appropriate? Are there some people who can be won only by overpowering them? Are there some times when confrontation is the only way of breaking through?

Are you going to preach? Yes … God is speaking through his Word, and I have been called to help people hear what he is saying.

discussion question 3 Must One Be Called to Preach? Must one be specially called to preach, or does the Bible encourage everyone to go out and preach the Word?

practical exercise 1 Opportunities to Preach Make a list of all the possible opportunities God has given you to preach. Think not only about the formal opportunities on Sunday mornings but also of all the venues in which and groups to whom you might be able to open the Bible and help people hear from God. Think creatively about new situations God might open up for you.

A Comprehensive Introduction to Sermon Options and Structures KENTON C. ANDERSON