Connecting
Congregational Leadership, Congregational Life, Congregational Transformation, Missional / Emerging Theology April 13th, 2008Today, I really think I connected with a large portion of the congregation. At the end, someone stood up and told me it was the best sermon he’d ever heard me preach. The congregation applauded. I didn’t quite know what to do.
All I can say is that God is at work to transform our congregation into a missional community of disciples who reach out to those who normally get left out of what God’s up to. And that was the content of the sermon, basically. Since that’s connecting now with the whole group, that means we’re on the right track.
Praise God!
April 15th, 2008 at 6:56:44 (-0500)
When I first heard you preach at Dillon’s baptism, you kept your notes in your hand during the entire sermon. In fact, there were brief moments when you simply read them to us.
I can truly relate to that; I’m sure I’m a better teacher now than 14 years ago. I was terrified in the beginning, especially when it seemed they would never stop testing me. I felt so overwhelmed that it was hard for me to enjoy what I was doing. Those poor kids! ;o)
But now you’re preaching without your notes! Sure, you have them up there on the podium, but rarely do you even glance at them. You have a much more conversational style that feels quite personal from our perspective.
I like it.
And you’re smiling a LOT!
The atmosphere has noticeably improved, and we’re being blessed in so many ways. Stay encouraged, Pastor Matt! If church is this much fun now, it’s only a matter of time before our church family grows!
Keep up the good work!