You Gotta Be You - My take on Preaching # 1

 

The late, Pastor Warren Wiersbe once said of preachers, "The experiences we preachers go through are not accidents; they are appointments." He confirmed what I have experienced as a preacher for over thirty-two years. It is amazing how many times the week's circumstances, events, and lessons personally fell into place as practical illustrations for the Bible passage I was addressing. 

People connect with stories. Applying what I was learning through the week has often connected me with my audience. The longer I have served in one place, the more meaningful the illustrations have become. I have often wondered why things work out the way they do. My sermon have taken shape at the last moment. Early on, I assumed I was not very good at preparing. But over time, I realized it would take all six days after my last sermon to prepare for the next one. 

I embrace the process now. God uses my personality, experiences, and difficulties to connect with my audience. Philips Brooks said it best: "Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality. The divine truth never changes; the human personality constantly changes and this is what makes the message new and unique." This truth has helped me think about preaching in an entirely different way. I enjoy hearing others preach. It is not necessarily about just the content but rather the delivery. 

The best preachers are themselves in the pulpit. They have embraced who God has made them to be. Once a person realizes that God has put them in front of the right group of people at the right time, he can speak freely. There is a never-ending quest for men to follow men. I have seen people who attempt to talk like someone else. They use other guys' stuff; some even attempt to mimic another's tone, rate, and expressions. 

There is so much more to preaching than exegesis, hermeneutics, and scholarship. Those things are essential, no doubt! But, preaching is also about God preparing you. There is a big difference between a recipe and a meal. Every household has books filled with recipes. The best cooks don't get caught up in recipes because they are more concerned about the chief end of delivering a meal. Similarly, I  recommend that all those who prepare sermons prioritize evaluating the meals they deliver rather than following the recipes. 

Martin Luther once said three things that make a preacher: prayer, meditation, and temptation. If he is correct, it will take attentiveness during the week of preparation to identify what God is teaching you about the text you will deliver on Sunday. There are no accidents. Even the apostles spoke about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20, 22:15). 

Discovering who you are is critical to become an effective preacher. I am an introvert. Most people are surprised to discover this. I need time to recharge and usually, I do it alone. I need time to sort my thoughts and revive my spirit. 

I can become very distracted, so working on a sermon in one setting is nearly impossible. I need a whole week to produce a finished sermon. I've also learned I work best in the late hours of the day. (I am writing this at 12:32 a.m.). These discoveries have helped me. I now lean into them instead of attempting to change because someone else does it differently. 

II Corinthians 10:12-13 says, For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God appointed to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 

Comparing yourself with others is a dead- in street. It will feed your insecurities and cripple you from being able to use your personality, experiences, and circumstances while preaching the word of God. Don't do it! 

We have to strike a balance. Some might think this is a permission slip for cutting corners. I strongly believe the preacher is to interact, study, and meditate on the biblical passage(s). Do all the behind-the-scenes hard work but do not forget to be yourself. We must never forget to bring our personalities, shortcomings, stories, experiences, and challenges to our people.  You gotta be you.

Learning From the Best

A Doe Hunt Last December

What is it like to hunt and fish with Mike Roux on a regular basis?  I have had this unique privilege for nearly ten years.   I became Mike's pastor at that time; before that I had done little fishing or hunting. Mike turned this city-slicker from Ohio into a crazed hunting and fishing junkie in no time. I have, to Mike's credit, taken three world-class turkeys, several trophy bass, countless does, and a half dozen bucks. My largest buck taken to date was this archery season.  I have learned so much from Mike. Time and time again, he has modeled how to be successful at his sport. I want to share four things about Mike that you will find useful in gaining success.

1.  Mike thoroughly enjoys what he does.

I never ceased to be amazed by Mike’s passion and excitement for hunting and fishing. In a recent conversation about our Illinois deer hunting prospects, he said “I am so excited about the potential on this farm. We have captured twelve different bucks on our trail cams. We are going to have so much fun!” Now, you have to put this in perspective. Mike has been hunting for over forty years. I do not know many people who have been doing something for forty years and still get this excited. As Mike explains our next adventure together, his voice accelerates with excitement when he lays out the details of the hunting or fishing trip. I am not sure which he likes most… my hunch all of it!

2.  Mike puts the time in by showing up.

Mike taught me very quickly that showing up is 90% of success. He consistently can be found in the field or on the water when in-season. Few people spend more time outdoors than Mike. He says regularly of the wildlife, “They are everywhere more than anywhere else.” In other words, the wildlife live in the wild….everywhere.  Most people miss out on that elusive trophy simply because they don’t spend enough time in the field.

3.  Mike pays attention to the details.

No matter what you set out to do, you must have a program. Mike has one of the most elaborate hunting and fishing programs anywhere.  Not only does he have an overall program but sub-programs for archery, shotgun, rifle, and muzzle loader deer seasons. He has a turkey program, a waterfowl program, a small game program, and an entire fishing program. These methods didn't happen for Mike in a week, but rather, they have been formed over a lifetime. Mike is meticulous about putting into place techniques to reduce human error in the field. He is constantly "on me" about my program and instructing me in how to improve in order to be successful.

4.  Mike is not afraid to try something new.

Most people get stuck in their ways. People who are successful tend to be even more stuck in their ways. You have heard the saying, “Don’t mess with success.” But Mike understands the importance of adapting in order to remain successful. I am constantly amazed with the changes Mike makes with his tactics, program, and equipment.  Regularly, I get statements from Mike like, “I have to show you my new so-and-so,” or, “I changed up my entire program. You gotta see my such-and-such.”

It's no accident that Mike's wisdom finds its way into outdoor publications. He is a true professional. I have learned much from him and will continue to do so. Here is Mike's website: http://mikeroux.com/.

If you want to be excellent at something, find people who do it the best and follow them!