By Silvannas McKenzie (Kingstown Church of Christ, SVG)
It is indeed an honour and privilege to speak God's word from the pulpit. But what is it like to prepare such a sermon? Let's find out from my point of view. Is it easy or is it difficult? That depends on the individual. However, it is by doing difficult things that we will know our strengths, and things that are worthwhile don't come easy.
For me, it Indeed was a challenge, but rather than looking for the reasons why I couldn't, I looked at the reasons why I could. Instead of looking at my insecurities, I looked to the One who said, "Do not be afraid, I am with you." When we are faced with a challenge, do we still believe Philippines 4:13 where Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"?
It is indeed an honour and privilege to speak God's word from the pulpit. But what is it like to prepare such a sermon? Let's find out from my point of view. Is it easy or is it difficult? That depends on the individual. However, it is by doing difficult things that we will know our strengths, and things that are worthwhile don't come easy.
For me, it Indeed was a challenge, but rather than looking for the reasons why I couldn't, I looked at the reasons why I could. Instead of looking at my insecurities, I looked to the One who said, "Do not be afraid, I am with you." When we are faced with a challenge, do we still believe Philippines 4:13 where Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"?
Silvannas McKenzie delivering 10-minute exhortation during prayer meeting at KCC (June 2015)
I will like you to take a journey with me through what it took and felt like to do my first Sunday morning sermon.
On February 11, 2016, I was asked by a fellow brother in Christ at my home congregation, if I would be interested in being the guest speaker for a morning worship service for a youth Sunday. He was first approached but recommended me because he felt confident that I would do well with the experience. Now this was a challenge for me because I never did a sermon before, but I always like a challenge. Instead of murmuring and worrying why I couldn't I simply said, "Yes, I'll do it."I believed I could, and had faith that God will help me; I didn't hesitate.
Despite my acceptance of the honour, stray thoughts in my head asked me, "What have you gotten yourself into?", but I rebuked it and asked God for wisdom. After it was confirmed that I would be the one to do the speaking one Sunday February 28 (about two weeks in advance), the only options I had available to me was to either 'chicken-out' or stand firm in faith. Having chosen the latter, it was time for me to prepare myself.
Preparation
The not-so-easy part was trying to figure out what I wanted to speak about. To make this process easier, I had to find out something about the make up of the audience I'll be speaking to. Then I brainstormed and chose a topic that would be applicable to them while being comfortable for me. Having chosen on a topic, I then decided on the style and format of my sermon (whether topical, etc), then searched the scriptures for for appropriate texts to support the points I wanted to bring out. I also included other anecdotes to keep the audience's minds open.
Rehearsal
It's very important to be well acquainted with the content you intend to bring across. The old saying that "practice makes perfect" is true, to an extent, because there is always room for improvements. Practice, practice and practice. Nothing good comes easy.
Delivery
No one likes to hear a poorly delivered sermon. Though it is the case that what is said is much more important than how it's said, the delivery should be considered. Thankfully, we know that there are the few who would still be tuned in even if the sermon is delivered poorly. Delivery is somewhat important (but not highly necessary), that's why it's good to rehearse and to tune up your style of presentation.
Guidance
"Do not be afraid for I am with you." Pray that the Holy Spirit be the One that guides you. I always say, "I of myself can't. But with the LORD, what is there that I cannot do. For You are with me."
The Experience
Upon arriving at the church of Christ's building at Biabou, I had my spirit lifted by a great Bible class, and being so much encouraged by the brethren such joy came to my heart. This was further heightened by singing such lovely songs and praising the God of the universe, in spirit and in truth. Then came the time for me to speak. As I sat and listened to my beloved brother Browne introduce me as the speaker, I silently said to God, "It has begun." I was asked by my dearest sister John who sat near me, "Are you ready?" I replied, "God is with me", meaning, by myself I can't, but with God, I can.
As I left my seat, walking (feeling a bit timid) toward the pulpit I said to God, "May Your Spirit be upon me." Standing at the podium with no mic in front of me, I began to speak. As I spoke, I felt all that fear rapidly leaving my bones and continued with boldness of speech. Not of myself, but as I was guided by the Holy Spirit. The message I delivered was entitled, 'We are of Great Value; a message for the young, the old, and everyone in between.'
On February 11, 2016, I was asked by a fellow brother in Christ at my home congregation, if I would be interested in being the guest speaker for a morning worship service for a youth Sunday. He was first approached but recommended me because he felt confident that I would do well with the experience. Now this was a challenge for me because I never did a sermon before, but I always like a challenge. Instead of murmuring and worrying why I couldn't I simply said, "Yes, I'll do it."I believed I could, and had faith that God will help me; I didn't hesitate.
Despite my acceptance of the honour, stray thoughts in my head asked me, "What have you gotten yourself into?", but I rebuked it and asked God for wisdom. After it was confirmed that I would be the one to do the speaking one Sunday February 28 (about two weeks in advance), the only options I had available to me was to either 'chicken-out' or stand firm in faith. Having chosen the latter, it was time for me to prepare myself.
Preparation
The not-so-easy part was trying to figure out what I wanted to speak about. To make this process easier, I had to find out something about the make up of the audience I'll be speaking to. Then I brainstormed and chose a topic that would be applicable to them while being comfortable for me. Having chosen on a topic, I then decided on the style and format of my sermon (whether topical, etc), then searched the scriptures for for appropriate texts to support the points I wanted to bring out. I also included other anecdotes to keep the audience's minds open.
Rehearsal
It's very important to be well acquainted with the content you intend to bring across. The old saying that "practice makes perfect" is true, to an extent, because there is always room for improvements. Practice, practice and practice. Nothing good comes easy.
Delivery
No one likes to hear a poorly delivered sermon. Though it is the case that what is said is much more important than how it's said, the delivery should be considered. Thankfully, we know that there are the few who would still be tuned in even if the sermon is delivered poorly. Delivery is somewhat important (but not highly necessary), that's why it's good to rehearse and to tune up your style of presentation.
Guidance
"Do not be afraid for I am with you." Pray that the Holy Spirit be the One that guides you. I always say, "I of myself can't. But with the LORD, what is there that I cannot do. For You are with me."
The Experience
Upon arriving at the church of Christ's building at Biabou, I had my spirit lifted by a great Bible class, and being so much encouraged by the brethren such joy came to my heart. This was further heightened by singing such lovely songs and praising the God of the universe, in spirit and in truth. Then came the time for me to speak. As I sat and listened to my beloved brother Browne introduce me as the speaker, I silently said to God, "It has begun." I was asked by my dearest sister John who sat near me, "Are you ready?" I replied, "God is with me", meaning, by myself I can't, but with God, I can.
As I left my seat, walking (feeling a bit timid) toward the pulpit I said to God, "May Your Spirit be upon me." Standing at the podium with no mic in front of me, I began to speak. As I spoke, I felt all that fear rapidly leaving my bones and continued with boldness of speech. Not of myself, but as I was guided by the Holy Spirit. The message I delivered was entitled, 'We are of Great Value; a message for the young, the old, and everyone in between.'
Listen to a 26 minute excerpt |
There's a lot more that can be said, but you just had to have been there in person. As I concluded the message, I felt so much joy in my spirit knowing that I had reached the end of my first ever Sunday morning sermon. When I had finished praying following the invitational song, I then went back to my seat and my beloved sister said to me that I indeed did well. Then I said to God, "It is finished."
We then continued worship service. When it had concluded, much joy clothed me from the feedback of the brethren and visitors. And how sweet it was to be refreshed from the youths of the congregation with their lovely delights. So much Love and Fellowship it was. To God be the glory.
Amen.
We then continued worship service. When it had concluded, much joy clothed me from the feedback of the brethren and visitors. And how sweet it was to be refreshed from the youths of the congregation with their lovely delights. So much Love and Fellowship it was. To God be the glory.
Amen.
