Festival of Preaching

I attended on Saturday the Festival of Preaching at Chelmsford Cathedral, run by the College of Preachers, with Bishop Stephen as the key note speaker. What came across to me was his reality as to the hard work of preaching. But he then took us in to some very helpful insights. These are a few of his thoughts, though it is hard to get the flavour of a very inspirational address.

He quoted David Ford, 'I remember preachers, not sermons'. Sermons can carry great meaning, but the actual words fade. But we remember, say, the passion of the preacher.

How can we remain passionate in our preaching? For the best visual aid is the preacher themselves.

Are we seduced by the microphone? Probably best to assume it is not there at all. But more than that:

1. Regularly invite feedback - from someone who loves you! Have we had serious feedback since our training or curacy? 'Preacher is a gruelling business... Though it is an art it is also a craft' - Colin Morris. Look at today's Stand Up comics to learn about the craft of holding attention. The modern Stand Up comic tells stories, not jokes. Instead of a linear logical sermon, we casually stroll around it looking at it from different angles.

2. Dare to experiment with the form in preaching. Eg speak as a character in the gospel rather than about the story.

3. Rediscover and Recover confidence in the medium. Discover that preaching works. Be very clear who you are trying to please. Preaching ought from for time to time to irritate, to get under the skin. Don't be afraid to be naughty as a preacher.

4. Get yourself evangelised! Return to that first love.

Lots to do to put this into practice but I look forward to the challenge.