Preaching That Involves The Congregation

Preachers can prepare their sermons with respect to the needs of their people by engaging a representative group of people in conversation on Sunday's text. Guidelines for group preparation and feedback are outlined below. A number of churches are offering Bible study on the texts their pastors intend to use in future sermons. Beginning ten days prior to the preaching of the sermon, the group meets to study the text. The preacher either leads the study or participates in the group, asking a layperson to lead. He or she listens closely to the questions and issues that emerge from the group's discussion of the text. The minister listens for ideas and attitudes that will influence the development of the passage into a sermon. The preacher avoids explaining to the group the way he or she intends to treat the passage. The preacher is there to learn from the group, not to hint at a plan he or she has already developed for preparing the sermon. In addition to congregational study of selec…