The Try-Out
September 27th, 2007 | by Scott |One of the things that I struggle with the most when it comes to interviewing at a church is what to preach and teach when I am there.
I am not a “one-shot” kind of guy. I preach and teach in series and so preaching and teaching a one and out is more difficult. Especially teaching since all of my classes are typically one part of a whole.
Question for you: If any of you have ever heard me preach or teach, what would you recommend me busting out this weekend? What do you want to hear from a preaching candidate? Any thoughts?
12 Responses to “The Try-Out”
By Greg on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Man, I can’t resist a temptation like this.
“Donkeys in Ezekiel 23: What’s Up With That?”
“Why Is Jude Even In There, Anyway?”
“Revelation 15:5–Well Which Is It, John, The Temple Or The Tabernacle Of The Testimony? I Mean, Make Up Your Mind!”
“1 Timothy 2:12–A Special Message For Sister Johnson”
“For That Matter, Why Do We Keep 3 John Around Either? Does Anybody EVER Quote 3 John?”
“‘Feet’ In The Book Of Ruth: Yeah, Right.”
By Joe on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Scott, If I were a layperson I would want to hear a pretty grand sermon from a candidate. By “grand” I mean that I would want to hear the classic truths of God confirmed while using well known texts that convey those truths. For example, (re)tell the story of Jonah and talk about God’s open arms and his astounding (and even offending) grace. The trick is to get the audience to hear it in a fresh and new way while making the point that we come to church to hear these stories over and over again hoping that someday we’ll get it. These kind of sermons are easily “one-shot” kind of sermons and are packed with Good News.
By Donna on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
I thought you did a great job in B’ham. But man Greg has some great ideas…..
By Chad on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
What about the importance of giving or key off of a workman deserves his wages? That should help with salary negotiation.
There is always the qualifications of Elders and Deacons…
By Shane on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
I think I would start with the question, What message in Scripture do I care deeply enough about to communicate it with feeling and sincerity to people I don’t know in a way that let’s them see how I read scripture while seeing the best side of me? Then after you cross off the all the ones that wouldn’t get you hired and just might get you fired, you ought to be down to one or two choices to choose from. As for Greg, I do have a Sister Johnson in my church that would be fun to deliver a sermon like that to!
By Jim MacKenzie on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Be open and honest… Tell your story… intertwined with the global message of God’s grace and mercy…
By Scott on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Greg, I’ve preached those too many times. It’s time for something new.
Joe, I have a Jonah sermon along those lines. It’s one of my favorites. I’m leaning toward doing one from the prophets.
Donna, Greg is full of ideas and he’s not afraid to share them
And thanks.
By Scott on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Chad, I thought I would teach a class on how located preachers is a sin.
Shane, could you email those one or two you have left
Jim, always grace and mercy. Always.
By Greg England on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Having heard you once in Long Beach, I thought you did a very good job there, but I think Jim MacKenzie has given you the best advice yet. Will keep you in prayer.
By Fernando on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
What are your spiritual passions? How do you put your faith into action?
I know of a church in Asheville, NC that has suspended their assembly on this coming Sunday and is urging all members to reach out as Jesus did…
Some families are going door to door asking for groceries to take to the food bank…
Why not start a NPO to serve others? Is pulpit preaching your true calling or is it service to others in a Christ-like fashion?
My sense is that you are a true servant and that you flourish in that role. Look into your soul and call upon God for direction.
As for preaching? Folks are looking for short and sweet…
Give them a nice message in 12 minutes and you are hired!
Sent from Fernando…AKA someone you used to know
By Debbie on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
You know what I thought about your “performance” at LB. Don’t change a thing and whatever you choose to talk about will work. Yes, open and honest is the way to go. Remember, there is something out there with your name on it. Good luck!
By Scott on Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for the kind words. I decided on a passage from Micah. I do feel like preaching and teaching is my passion. That’s why I’m not giving up on it.