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Pastor's Page

Posted on February 1, 2007 ...

I will be out of the office next week sharing in an annual retreat with five of my closest pastor friends. It is a time of deep fellowship, a renewal of spirit, rich laughter, and a lot of study. During this week, I formulate my preaching plan for the year ahead. The remote setting grants the time and space necessary for prayerful reflection and organization of my pulpit ministry.

Pastors are often asked how we create all the ideas for our messages. I confess that this task is a formidable challenge. Including Bible studies, funerals, and other speaking engagements, most pastors are expected to ?¢‚Ǩ?ìstand and deliver?¢‚Ǩ¬ù approximately 125 to 150 messages every year. Multiply that over years of pastoral ministry and it will soon total thousands of sermons. If you need evidence of this, simply check out my filing cabinet!

Personally, I have two responses to the question regarding how I collect ideas for sermons. First, I say that they come one at a time. Even when I am preaching a series of messages on a common topic or book in the Bible, each sermon is unique and must be given individual consideration. Second, I say that I get ideas for sermons anywhere and everywhere I can. Potential topics arise out of my readings, observations, conversations, and current events.

Perhaps my favorite resources for sermon ideas are church members themselves. Honestly, preachers sometimes are guilty of answering questions that no one is asking. I certainly want to avoid this mistake and instead allow God to use my voice to share messages that are relevant to the circumstances of people?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s lives. Therefore, if you have any suggestions for a potential sermon topic, I welcome your input. I will gratefully carry your suggestions with me on retreat next week and ask God to guide me in developing my preaching plan for the months ahead. You are welcome to share your ideas with me Sunday on our Worship Registration Form or via the internet:

Email: drjay@ncbctn.com or drjaymc@gmail.com.
AOL Instant Messenger: drjaymc

I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d love to hear from you. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and prayers. Jay