It’s become almost commonplace for ministers to begin their time in the pulpit with a string of introductory remarks. Then there’s usually a transition statement something like, “Anyway, my topic (or text) for today is…”
These opening comments can continue for quite some time and make for a casual relationship between speaker and listener. Most of the time, what’s said could be covered during the announcements, the pastoral prayer, or even by a projected slide during the offering.
My feeling is that such remarks take away from the seriousness of the message at hand. Resaid, a mood is set that’s different from the one that implies, “I have a word from the Lord that’s important for you to hear, so listen closely.”
My preference would be for the speaker to capture my attention from his or her opening sentence. I want to feel that the person preaching, as Jesus’ representative, has worked on what’s to be said and feels keenly about me not missing a single thought.
I know I can’t support my feelings from a given “proof text.” Maybe this is just the way I like things done—thoughtfully and seriously. That’s in contrast to what seems to be the present church style. Loose and casual is apparently now where it’s at! In some ways that’s good. But then again, in my opinion, in some ways it’s not.
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Please click here to visit David Mains’ Sermon-Coach.com website.
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