Person-centered

A preacher well-known for his moving sermons, was on a big jet plane crowded with passengers. In mid-flight the pilot announced that because of mechanical difficulties he was going to make an unscheduled landing for repairs. When the plane landed, the passengers disembarked, with instructions to return in two hours. At the appointed time, the passengers began filing back into the aircraft. One of them apparently had spent most of the time in the cocktail lounge. He staggered into the plane, obviously quite drunk, and began to make slow progress down the aisle. As he neared his seat, he spotted the preacher. Pointing to him he said in a loud voice, “There is one of the great preachers of our time.” Then, collapsing into his seat, he said, “His preaching has changed my life!”

Preaching has its place, but preaching in itself does not change people’s lives. Good preaching can offer insights. Good preaching can spark emotions. Good preaching can impart knowledge. But genuine…