Have you heard a good sermon lately?
83% of people surveyed who attended a Christian church service said that the top reason for choosing and remaining in a church is the sermon.
In this episode we talk with Rev. Dr. Will Willimon about sermons and listening to sermons. He is a pastor, bishop in the United Methodist Church and the author of, in his approximation, about 100 books. We have had the pleasure of speaking with Will about his writing on several occasions and were very happy to speak with him again about his most recent book, “Listeners Dare. ” It is an engaging examination of the role of the listener in the sermon. Will points out that any true hearing of a sermon requires divine assistance.
Here are a few notes from the book;
To preachers:
“Beginning a sermon with a joke is nearly always a bad idea; including a sweet story about a child (particularly if the child is yours). It risks adulterating the gospel with maudlin sentimentality.”
“Don’t read your sermons; preaching is personal, bodily testimony to the gospel truth you have received, not a lecture about God.”
To listeners:
When told by a listener about a sermon, “I didn’t get anything out of it”, a reply should potentially be, “So how much did you put into it?”
“God’s word usually comes to us through others, those who dare to tell us truth we wouldn’t tell ourselves.”
No God Forsaken People, No God Forsaken Places with Tim Fretheim
Most People are Better than their Theology with David Goa
Christmas Special
Introduction to the Concept of The Hopeful Gospel with Ross Lockhart
From Soldiers to Midwives: How the Metaphors we Use in Christian Mission Impact our Understanding of Faith and Witness with Jenn Richards
Your god ain’t no God at all! with Dr. Jason Byassee
With All our Heart, but None of our Mind with Dr. Richard Topping
Best and Worst of Worship “Like a Rose Trampled on the Ground” with Carolyn Arends and Spencer Capier
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)