I'm sure this is also a reflection of my age, gender, and general inexperience with the endeavor. But it's very presumptuous to stride into a pulpit and act as if your insights could actually provide any kind of meaning to those who bothered to show up.
I first preached as a summer intern without any kind of formal biblical or theological training, but simply an enthusiasm for God. I've preached in 3 states, in 2 states in one day. I've preached to a theater full of teenagers. I've preached to a congregation that included a little black dog perched on a woman's shoulder.
Each time it surprises me. My stomach twists into knots. I sometimes forget to pray. I might read directly off of the page, or I might just start making it up.
Yet every time I have preached, there has been a moment where I could feel it in my toes. I believe squarely what I say. When that happens, the resonance of the message fills my body and I can dare to hope the message is radiating out.
My collection of sermons is currently small and easily catalogued in a single folder on my computer. I am just beginning this process. This will grow and expand into thousands and thousands of words thrown together, prayed over, and spoken tentatively.
Preaching is a moment of grace.
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