ADVICE FOR PREACHERS
The following was quoted by Martin Marty in his invaluable resource Context: Here’s a quickie list of advice for preaching ministers from St. Paul, Minnesota religion reporter Clark Morphew, who has attended services at 150 churches since he began his duties. “Keep one foot in your tradition and one foot in the slippery muck of life. Do a careful exegesis of your text; then throw it away and write a sermon for the people. Learn to laugh at yourself and give your people permission to enjoy life. Don’t tell stories that make you look better than you are. Keep sermons short and use frequent illustrations. Don’t offer advice you wouldn’t accept. Tell your congregation guilt was made to be redeemed. Read modern storytellers, religious magazines, and move into the congregation yourself. Set up clergy support groups. Demand an adequate salary and generous vacations.” Context. page 3
To view this resource, log in or sign up for a subscription plan
