Some of the preachers I listen to on a regular basis.
A common question pastors are often asked about other ministers is “How is he/she as a preacher?”
Like we would know! We are all working at the same time! At least we were until the pandemic hit! Now, after worship I normally listen to at least 4-5 other sermons (Yes, I am a sermon nerd! I do need therapy!). Normally I listen to to see how they dealt with the lectionary text. I will say that I have been amazed and moved by the creativity, the interpretations, the mastery of the art of preaching.
Jim Somerville at Preacher Camp 2021
Yesterday, however, I heard a sermon that seemed to be directed at me, and maybe other preachers. My friend Jim Somerville at Richmond’s First Baptist Church was preaching on John 6. (Like many preachers he has been there all month!). Jim mentioned that at the beginning of Chapter 6 Jesus had over 5,000 followers! They were ready to make him king—by force if necessary.
But then….
Jesus starts with a series of really hard sayings. Some of them almost make you think he was encouraging cannibalism (an early critique of the church.). The people listening were so repulsed that they started to drop away, to the point that by the end of the chapter there are only the 12 left.
Not a great Church Growth Movement!
As I listened I wondered how often preachers shy away from the truth in order to make sure that people don’t leave. We are told that our job is to bring people in! Older pastors looking for jobs are overlooked for younger ministers because “they will bring in young families.” (Yeah, that one hit close to home!). We need the people to balance the budget, pay the bills, pay our salary!
And so the truth becomes a casualty.
We become afraid….that the numbers will drop, that people won’t come.
And the Jesus question comes back to us. “Will you also leave?”
Too often the answer is yes.
God have mercy.
I encourage you to listen to Jim’s sermon at https://www.fbcrichmond.org/sundays/watch-live-services/. The sermon begins about the 41 minute mark.