Biblefresh: it could change your world

Reading the Bible

1. Read it first unaided, with no commentaries to cloud your view.
2. Never discard the notes you make on this first reading – even if you don’t use them all
3. Use commentaries, but select wisely to ensure a spread of theological insight
4. Use commentaries, but read with discernment – they are not always definitive
5. Use other Bible aids – maps, timelines and background material can be invaluable
6. Do not read it without the author’s help – your scriptural insight is measured by your prayerful humility
7. Be cautious about preaching from a version which is ‘over’ translated – this makes it a long journey from original text to contemporary ear

Reading the congregation

1. What books and newspapers (if any) do your congregation read?
2. What films or television programmes do they watch?
3. What is the extent of ‘residual’ Bible knowledge here – do they know the ‘big story’?
4. The pastoral cup of tea or the hospital visit is as much a part of your sermon preparation as the hours in the study
5. What are the rituals (both acknowledged and hidden) of your congregation?
6. What words in your congregation’s vocabulary are loaded with local & historic meaning?
7. Don’t expect to pick up any useful feedback on the door. You will pick up short term feedback in the following week’s conversations, and long-term feedback in the lives of those to whom you preach.

Reading yourself

1. Do you know why you want to preach?
2. Are you an active person (brought closer to God by activity), a reflective person (brought closer to Him by reflection) or a relational person (brought closer to Him through relationships?  This will be reflected in your preaching.
3. When you communicate, are you an analyst, a raconteur or a discussion facilitator? This also will be reflected in your preaching.
4. Are you spiritually hungry whilst feeding others? If so – find a good meal, NOW!
5. Look back over your last five sermons – are they pep-talks, lectures, team-huddles or rallying cries?  If they are all the same – you need to address it
6. A good preacher should neither stand behind the text – where their personality cannot be seen, nor in front of it, where they obscure it from view with their big personality. Where do you stand?
7. Be prepared – the most vital preparatory work for preaching is the preparation of the preacher, not the sermon.

Richard Littledale – Teddington Baptist Church
www.richardlittledale.wordpress.com

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