Common Mistakes Made by Young Preachers
One of my greatest joys these days is working with young preachers, trying to ‘fast track’ them through some of the lessons I have learned through almost three decades of preaching. I was blessed to attend some great schools, but truthfully most of the bit I have learned about preaching came from painful Sunday afternoons of lamenting the ‘getting it wrong’ and determining to do it better next time. I am humbled and blessed by the thought that my lessons learned through much travail can be given to hungry young preachers just starting out. Ok so here’s some of the mistakes I made and observe:
Embed this video:
Categorized as: From James, Preaching, Video
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
Pastor I just want to thank you for the walk in the word weekly message {the warfare one?}
Today my hubby and I went thru beautiful hiking trails full of the splendor and glory of the Work of His hands.The enemy thought He could have me during this time in the Father’s creation….eeehhhhh NOOOO
Right now we are getting ready to face a massive challenge,it’s financial,it’s massive and it’s from my husbands past. He has been walking with the Father now for about a year and a half, and He knows He is forgiven of this and We are both in agreement that God WILL Not leave us alone while in the well.We are absolutely frightened yet we have peace,a peace only Jesus can pass by and give us on His way .
Pastor the enemy has been truly bothering me with every ridiculous scenario,to frightening dreams{all the time in them I speak the Name of Jesus and satan flees from the dream} AMEN! To the most absurd disguisting thoughts that are not mine,to trying to keep me silent.
That being said My Savior reigns,I pick my self up and remember who I serve,the King of Glory.
Every time the enemy rides my back and I press thru,someone needs me for prayer,someone needs me to interceede.Someone calls me out to pray in Choir,and when He trys to take my voice I sing all the More louder for the Lord,cause now I recognize the way the enemy plays the game.
Your timely word I just read completely confirms to me that thru Christs cross the War is Won,and He fights for Me!I know this is true now,and because I have a hard time receiving anything??? YEs what is wrong with me??? I am a giver haaa
But seriously I know my Redeemer lives,and I fall on my knees surrendered He has my whole being,I know He will be with me in this War,as He is in all His childrens,,,What a leader !!!!!
I praise Him for such a Bold individual like yourself completely surrendered to the King
Amen,and in Jesus name MAY you and all who are in your TEaching be Blessed from GOd’s word.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 am
How interesting to hear you speak about what God has also been working on in my life – not ‘preaching’, but in taking smaller steps in this walk with Him so that I might walk with boldness in what I know as He teaches me. This is a life lesson as well as a lesson in mentoring young Preachers. We live in a world that is so bent on filling every moment of time with busy-ness, and judgements of what we should each be achieving to make this life ‘count’.
Personally, I am at that half century mark in life and am amazed daily as I look back in review and marvel at how God has answered prayer and taught patience through what seemed unbearable lessons at the time. I now see only the blessings in that walk with all the times of stumbling and falling and getting up and getting picked up and, many times, being carried across pits that I helped to dig in my own ignorance.
I thank God for His leading me to your teachings, as well as several others on this particular radio station I listen to, that have opened up His truth in a way that let me be sensitive to the fire lit inside by the Holy Spirit to search out the Scripture for myself along with listening. I was indeed drifting before ‘Walk In The Word’ became part of my study time.
Thank you Pastor James.
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 am
James,
As a young preacher, thanks for the advice. I think a lot of others would agree – we’d be happy to learn more from you as well, as you obviously have the experience we lack. Thanks for setting a good example.
Jeremy
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 am
As one who has watched 2 young youth ministers come and go over the last 10 years at our church, I have witnessed exactly what you described. When it was their Sunday to preach, they tried to over do it. In the end, they looked…well…amateur at best. They lost their place, ended up repeating themselves, etc. No matter how many times they tried to preach, they always seemed to fall into the same trap. Good advice
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Good common sense, focus on what is important and allow yourself to grow from there without forcing it prematurely. My preaching professor said that I didn’t tell enough stories, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on that.
Thank you, brother.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 am
I think a big mistake I have attempted is over use of tech effects like video or too many powerpoint slides. Those are good tools, but should enhance the point of the message. Too much can overwhelm and be difficult because of the many tech problems that can occur. They can also become the message – focus is on the video and not on the Word. And lastly, they can limit you. I once used so many slides that when I wanted to make a change because of the way the service was going I couldn’t – my slides limited me. I think Pastor MacDonald is definitely right on – work on the Word first. Then add the other stuff to describe or enhance. But always keep the main thing the main thing – and if you think the main thing is the video then get off the stage until you figure it out. I do hope God will use all of our preachers to keep Him and His Word in the forefront.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 am
There are a few guys who I hope are listening to the first point of your video!
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
To quote Oliver Twist: Please Sir, I want some more.
Good stuff!
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Good tips James. Thanks!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I’ve been teaching preaching for 15 years, in the US and in Eastern Europe. From my perspective there are two much more obvious places for young preachers to grow. One is saying what God is actually saying to his people from a Biblical text, rather than whatever the preacher thinks or wants him to be saying. Two, actually preaching about God, the subject of the Bible, rather than secondary issues. Get God right, and what he is saying right, and the Holy Spirit has room to move in power despite other weaknesses.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Thank you Pastor James. As a young pastor i really needed to hear that. Thanks for your example and give us young pastors more, please!