Mark Messmore's Blog, page 7

Planning Your Preaching: PART 1 – Why it is Important

What are you preaching on this week? How about next month? What about three months from now?

These types of questions may seem unnecessary to some and even sacrilegious to others, but if you are someone that preaches/teaches regularly, planning ahead can immensely boost your preaching productivity. Allow me to illustrate…

Growing up, I remember times when my parents would decide to just “go for a drive.” As a child, I dreaded hearing that phrase. I knew that “going for a drive” meant I – not yet old enough to be left home by myself – would be held captive in the back seat of the car as they motored on discussing the passing scenery. There would be no particular destination in mind. There was also rarely an established duration of how long we may be gone. We had one objective in mind: go. Everything else would be improvised along the way. To them, this was a great way to spend an otherwise unscheduled afternoon. To me, it was a cruel and unusual exercise that made me wonder if somehow my parents were violating some tenet of the Geneva Convention.

As an “adult” (quotes intended), I understand the appeal of hopping in my truck with nowhere to be and no set destination. Yet while this practice can be a valuable exercise in clearing the mind, I find too many preachers operate in a similar way when it comes to their preaching.

Governed by the primacy of the urgent, too many operate week to week with little forethought or coherent connection. Some even take pride in their lack of preparation wearing as a badge of honor that everyone will find out on Sunday (often themselves included) what the sermon is about. Yet I have found that taking time to plan my preaching provides a variety of benefits:

You offer the Holy Spirit time to work in you, the preacher

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves consideration, “The Holy Spirit can work as much in the preparation as He does the presentation.” Some claim that planning or preparing ultimately lessens the spiritual impact of their preaching stating that the reliance falls to the preparation rather than the Spirit. However, this would indicate that the Holy Spirit was only able to be active in that window of time where you, the preacher, are on stage and communicating. The truth is, the Holy Spirit can be active at any point.

Furthermore, if you have preached more than a handful of sermons, it is likely you have run directly into a message that has impacted your heart and soul as much as anyone else who will hear it. This time allows you to speak more openly and honestly about how you are personally dealing with the issue at hand.

You offer time for your mind to work

In case you haven’t noticed, our brains are MARVELOUS creations. Right now your brain is interpreting the words on the page along with what you are hearing, feeling, smelling, and touching. Also, all this is happening while your brain tells your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe in and your stomach to continue digesting the burrito you had earlier. Our brains truly are incredible!

One element of how our brains work includes our subconscious – i.e. that part of your brain that is not fully aware of your actions and feelings. When you have a plan on where your preaching will go your subconscious will continue working on the topics ahead even without you actively focusing on it!

Imagine you have the next month of sermons planned out. That is not to say you have the messages fully written, but instead, you just know that the next four weeks look like this:

TopicTextMain IdeaParable of the SowerMatthew 13:1-8Not everyone will accept the message. Our job is to be spreading seeds.Parable of the WeedsMatthew 13:24-30Jesus will sort out the genuine from the imposters. Judgment.Parable of the Mustard SeedMatthew 13:31-32Kingdom can start small but will blossom greater than you can imagineParable of the Treasure/PearlMatthew 13:44-46This is what the Kingdom is worth.

 

Note that I just have a few parables, some texts, and a sentence or two about where I think this will be going. It is not a lot, but even this alone provides my subconscious with valuable time to work. Chances are good you would come across some observation during planting season about the sower or see some article about someone who found a valuable painting while cleaning out their attic. Trust me when I say the potential illustrations and application come much more easily when your mind can work on it in the background.

You alleviate some stress on your Monday (or Tuesday) morning

When I was in college I took on a weekend preaching ministry at a small church in West Virginia. I’m not exaggerating when I say the church was 100 miles from my apartment. My supportive wife would drive with me four hours round-trip to hear me preach for 20-25 minutes. During this time I still was NOT good at planning ahead, and often as I looked to the next Sunday I experienced some dread thinking, “What in the world am I going to preach on this week?”

I don’t know if you do the majority of your sermon prep on Monday, Tuesday, or when. However, I can state from experience how much easier it is to have decided in advance a topic or text that will be preached in the coming week.

You probably have objections…

I recognize you likely have some excuses reasons you would offer if you are someone who does not already plan out your sermons. However, I would encourage you to set aside the objections and give this practice a shot. You do not need to have a year planned out in advance, though it may be helpful. You do not need to have all the catchy branding elements and finite details for the messages and series ironed out. Yet I want to challenge you. Take an hour or two. Clear your schedule and do the work of thinking and praying through what may be best for your congregation. Then see how it can benefit your preparation and your preaching.

The Value of Planning Preaching

What are you preaching on this week? How about next month? What about three months from now?

These types of questions may seem unnecessary to some and even sacrilegious to others, but if you are someone that preaches/teaches regularly, planning ahead can immensely boost your preaching productivity. Allow me to illustrate…

Growing up, I remember times when my parents would decide to just “go for a drive.” As a child, I dreaded hearing that phrase. I knew that “going for a drive” meant I – not yet old enough to be left home by myself – would be held captive in the back seat of the car as they motored on discussing the passing scenery. There would be no particular destination in mind. There was also rarely an established duration of how long we may be gone. We had one objective in mind: go. Everything else would be improvised along the way. To them, this was a great way to spend an otherwise unscheduled afternoon. To me, it was a cruel and unusual exercise that made me wonder if somehow my parents were violating some tenet of the Geneva Convention.

As an “adult” (quotes intended), I understand the appeal of hopping in my truck with nowhere to be and no set destination. Yet while this practice can be a valuable exercise in clearing the mind, I find too many preachers operate in a similar way when it comes to their preaching.

Governed by the primacy of the urgent, too many operate week to week with little forethought or coherent connection. Some even take pride in their lack of preparation wearing as a badge of honor that everyone will find out on Sunday (often themselves included) what the sermon is about. Yet I have found that taking time to plan my preaching provides a variety of benefits:

You offer the Holy Spirit time to work in you, the preacher

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves consideration, “The Holy Spirit can work as much in the preparation as He does the presentation.” Some claim that planning or preparing ultimately lessens the spiritual impact of their preaching stating that the reliance falls to the preparation rather than the Spirit. However, this would indicate that the Holy Spirit was only able to be active in that window of time where you, the preacher, are on stage and communicating. The truth is, the Holy Spirit can be active at any point.

Furthermore, if you have preached more than a handful of sermons, it is likely you have run directly into a message that has impacted your heart and soul as much as anyone else who will hear it. This time allows you to speak more openly and honestly about how you are personally dealing with the issue at hand.

You offer time for your mind to work

In case you haven’t noticed, our brains are MARVELOUS creations. Right now your brain is interpreting the words on the page along with what you are hearing, feeling, smelling, and touching. Also, all this is happening while your brain tells your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe in and your stomach to continue digesting the burrito you had earlier. Our brains truly are incredible!

One element of how our brains work includes our subconscious – i.e. that part of your brain that is not fully aware of your actions and feelings. When you have a plan on where your preaching will go your subconscious will continue working on the topics ahead even without you actively focusing on it!

Imagine you have the next month of sermons planned out. That is not to say you have the messages fully written, but instead, you just know that the next four weeks look like this:

TopicTextMain IdeaParable of the SowerMatthew 13:1-8Not everyone will accept the message. Our job is to be spreading seeds.Parable of the WeedsMatthew 13:24-30Jesus will sort out the genuine from the imposters. Judgment.Parable of the Mustard SeedMatthew 13:31-32Kingdom can start small but will blossom greater than you can imagineParable of the Treasure/PearlMatthew 13:44-46This is what the Kingdom is worth.

Note that I just have a few parables, some texts, and a sentence or two about where I think this will be going. It is not a lot, but even this alone provides my subconscious with valuable time to work. Chances are good you would come across some observation during planting season about the sower or see some article about someone who found a valuable painting while cleaning out their attic. Trust me when I say the potential illustrations and application come much more easily when your mind can work on it in the background.

You alleviate some stress on your Monday (or Tuesday) morning

When I was in college I took on a weekend preaching ministry at a small church in West Virginia. I’m not exaggerating when I say the church was 100 miles from my apartment. My supportive wife would drive with me four hours round-trip to hear me preach for 20-25 minutes. During this time I still was NOT good at planning ahead, and often as I looked to the next Sunday I experienced some dread thinking, “What in the world am I going to preach on this week?”

I don’t know if you do the majority of your sermon prep on Monday, Tuesday, or when. However, I can state from experience how much easier it is to have decided in advance a topic or text that will be preached in the coming week.

You probably have objections…

I recognize you likely have some excuses reasons you would offer if you are someone who does not already plan out your sermons. However, I would encourage you to set aside the objections and give this practice a shot. You do not need to have a year planned out in advance, though it may be helpful. You do not need to have all the catchy branding elements and finite details for the messages and series ironed out. Yet I want to challenge you. Take an hour or two. Clear your schedule and do the work of thinking and praying through what may be best for your congregation. Then see how it can benefit your preparation and your preaching.

Highlights from the 2022 National Preaching Summit

NOTE: Photo credit to the National Preaching Summit Facebook page.

“How can that possibly be fun?”

This was a statement made by a friend of mine who playfully, yet somewhat seriously, could not understand how I would be excited to attend a conference solely about preaching. This is also a friend who was always excited about his annual trip to the World of Concrete convention. Once I pointed out the irony of that dynamic, he chuckled understandingly.

The National Preaching Summit is a conference that spends 24-hours focused on the important task of preaching. While I’ve seen workshops and sessions at other leadership or church conferences, this is the only event I am familiar with that is focused on the important task of preaching. The Summit has been happening since 1995 and has been on my calendar since I first attended in the early 2000s.

In this post, I simply want to share a few notes from sessions at this year’s event.

Dr. Mark Scott — On preaching the Word in season and out of season…(2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Preaching is ALWAYS in seasonJesus will show up and show off (v1)The church needs more than we can give her (v2, 5)Because people don’t drift TOWARD the truth (v3-4)

 

Dr. Caleb Kaltenbach — “Bridging the Gap between LGBTQ Individuals and the Church”

“You CAN’T walk a mile in somebody’s shoes. You CAN walk a mile next to them.”Start by asking questions“Help me understand…”

 

Aaron Brockett — “Lessons Learned from Leading Through the Pandemic”

When you are not sure what call to make: be as clear as you can beIn the midst of a crisis, there is no such thing as over-communicationYou should delegate many things, but the WHY is not one of themProvide people help and hopeWhen there is a problem, God always raises up a leaderCrisis is what leaders were meant forBe a calming presence

 

Dr. Caleb Kaltenbach — “How to Preach about Sexuality Without Shaming Anyone”

Language mattersDon’t be afraid to tackle tough subjectsConsider who is LGBTQ+ and how they will feelTheir experience with churchTheir experience with rejectionPreach for life changeDifference between life change and behavior modificationNever call someone to bear a burden that you’re not willing to help them carryEmbrace the tension of grace and truthTeach them about Jesus (make Him the star)Tell storiesCast vision when you end of what could be“Christianity has never been about entitlement. It’s about who you surrender to.”

Why are there so many Bible translations?

Walk into any book store, much less a Christian book store, and you will find a large selection of Bibles. Scan the titles and you will find Bibles designed for men, women, teens, singles, married couples, athletes, moms, pastors, dog owners, and even Star Trek fans. Then, as you look more closely, you will find all sorts of letters that may make no sense to you. What exactly is an NASB? How about an ESV or an NLT? Why, when you open up these Bibles, do they read quite differently than one another?

Teaching people about the Bible is a passion of mine, and that includes helping them understand this dynamic of translational differences. Yet, as you can probably imagine, this is a type of question that can be rather in-depth.

The Short Answer

When teaching a class about translational differences, one of the first things I do is go around the room and ask multiple people to list off their favorite pizza. I want to know where the pizza is from, what toppings it includes, special preferences that make it someone’s favorite, etc. Inevitably, there are a bunch of answers ranging from chain restaurants to local establishments, all types of crusts, toppings, and more. Upon reaching this realization my next question is always, “Why are there so many different types of pizza?” The answer I receive always sounds something like, “Well…everyone has their own preferences on how they like their pizza.”

This is why we have so many different Bible translations. Everyone has their own preferences on how they like their Bible to read.

But Why The Differences?

If you have any experience with other languages, you likely are aware that rarely do statements translate cleanly from one language to another with no adjustments. For example if, while speaking to someone in Spanish, I say, “Como té llamas?” that is the equivalent of me asking in English, “What is your name?” However, if I translate those words literally, the resulting sentence is, “What are you called?”

Given that the Old Testament was (mostly) written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, in order to get it into a language individuals can understand (in our case, English), translation is required. So translators, as they set out and with each passage, have a decision to make about how they will proceed. Will this be a word-for-word translation or thought-for-thought?

Word for Word or Thought for Thought?

As stated in the previous section, translators face a decision when communicating one language to another: word-for-word or thought-for-thought. If a translation is more word-for-word it will be more accurate, however, it will tend to be less understandable. One such example is Young’s Literal Translation (YLT). As its title would indicate, the YLT is a literal, word-for-word translation. However, when looking at the most famous Bible passage (John 3:16), I think you will see what I mean. John 3:16 in the YLT reads, “for God did so love the world, that His Son — the only begotten — He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.”

That is probably a bit more complicated than how you learned it.

If a translation is more thought-for-thought, then it tries to convey the thought behind the original text rather than try and be a close linguistic translation. Such translations tend to be much more readable and easily understandable, but they may not be the best for study given they are not as literal.

The following chart (original available here) is a good, simple representation of where translations fall on this spectrum. In fact, I have recreated this graphic to be in a printable format available here.

 

So, Which Translation is Best?

Though she will deny it, my wife LOVES to work out. On various occasions, she has been consulted about what exercise someone should engage in. Her answer is almost always, “What exercise will you actually do?”

My answer is the same regarding what translation of the Bible you use. Does your preacher use the ESV, so you find it comfortable and usable? Use it! Did you grow up with the KJV and enjoy the older feel of the language? Use it! Do you just want the opportunity to read without engaging a ton of thought to absorb godly principles? Pick up The Message and have at it! The best translation is the one you will actually use.

Finding Your Voice

In High School, I was very active in our drama club. I am sure those who know me personally or have heard me preach before are shocked (by that I mean not shocked at all) by that admission. The experiences I received in drama club benefited me a tremendous amount when it came to preaching. I began to learn how to project my voice, maneuver on stage, interact with an audience, etc. I also gained some experience acting (i.e. pretending to be other people). No matter the performance, I was playing a role. Whether a German cobbler who experienced a vision, the Tin Man in need of a heart, or a guide leading a haphazard crew on a comical trip through the jungle, I was always pretending to be someone else.

This was a skill that, unfortunately, did not serve me well when I started preaching.

Like most preachers, I tried to learn from famous communicators. Don’t get me wrong – one can learn a lot by listening to other preachers. However I, like many, did not just try to learn from these preachers, I tried to imitate them.

Instead of using that as an opportunity for my own spiritual growth, or just to see a different way to look at a passage, craft a transition, or tell a story, I found myself pretending to be them while I preached. In a sense, I was trying to manufacture the same responses and notoriety they had without the crucible of preaching development.

In Simple Preaching Prep, I talk about my favorite definition of preaching coming from a 19th-century preacher named Philipps Brooks. While teaching a seminar at Yale University, Brooks summarized preaching the following way, “Preaching is communicating truth through personality.” Even early on, I wanted to base my messages on a foundation of Scripture; I was communicating truth. But I was not using my God-given personality to do it. Instead of preaching with Mark’s personality, character, flaws, and idioms, I was pretending to be one of any number of popular preachers and hoping to emulate their success.

It was in the midst of my realization about this reality when a friend of mine, Wendy, game me one of the most meaningful compliments I have ever received. While visiting, Wendy heard me preach and then sat down with my wife Kara and I for lunch afterwards. It was then that Wendy said, “I feel like you’re the same person with me as you are on stage.”

If you read different books of the Bible you will find the language, characteristics, and idioms of the Bible authors comes through. Yes, I firmly believe their writings were divinely inspired (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17), yet it was through their God-given personalities God chose to communicate. I want my God-given personality to come through as I preach.

Over time I will write some posts to develop some of my ideas regarding different styles of preaching that I see. Note: none of these styles I will write about are good or bad in and of themselves. Nor do I believe I will be comprehensive in the styles that I cover. However, I want to identify a variety of styles that I see preachers use and elaborate on what I see as the strengths, weaknesses, pitfalls and opportunities for growth that I see in each.

It is my hope, as I work through these styles, to help preachers further develop their God-given personalities so that they might find their own voice to use in preaching.

Spotting the Imposter

While listening to a podcast a few years ago I was first introduced to an idea that resonated with me BIG TIME. As I listened to the podcasters discuss the topic, my mouth began to part, then it was gaping wide open, then I’m pretty sure my jaw was resting in my lap.

Why this operation of oral oriface opening?

Because what they were describing was me.

Not just, “Oh yeah, I’ve felt that experience!” But the shocking sort of, “Wait…other people deal with this too? You mean…there is a name for it? I’m not alone? I’m not CRAZY?”

While that last statement is still under review by those who know me, the topic being discussed in that podcast is one that I have seen pop up in a variety of places since. Perhaps it was there the whole time. Maybe I was just blind to it before. The topic of that particular podcast is an idea known as “Imposter Syndrome.”

In case you’re unfamiliar, imposter syndrome acts like this – no matter how accomplished you are, no matter what you may have achieved, you feel as though you’re a fraud. Someone dealing with imposter syndrome typically has difficulty accepting their successes. That individual secretly fears that everyone will discover they are not as competent or as capable as they are believed to be and this underlying fear holds them back.

I realize definitions may not resonate the most with some of you. So here are some potential situations where imposter syndrome may show up.

Internally refusing to accept compliments for an area where you have talent, because you compare yourself only to those who are recognized as world-class in that field.Brushing aside legitimate accomplishments (degrees, certifications, etc.), downplaying them because internally you think anyone could have done it or you rationalize the accomplishment as insignificant.Avoiding or out-right refusing to pursue an opportunity because you do not see yourself as qualified-enough or skilled-enough. In doing so you disqualify yourself before anyone else can.Refusing or reducing financial compensation entirely because you do not see what you provide as having worth or value.

I wish those examples did not resonate so close to home. But truth is, they all flowed quite easily as I typed because they have – in some form – come straight from my personal experience.

Please do not see this post either as a “woe is me” style discussion, or a some sort of plea for compliments. I bring all this up for one simple reason: If you deal with imposter syndrome, I want you to know that you are not alone.

In my own personal journey, I have spent a fair amount of time working with professional counselors to help recognize my own unhealthy tendencies and patterns. Yet even after years of self-discovery, imposter syndrome still pops up for me. Still, in that time, I have grown a lot in understanding what imposter syndrome truly is and how to respond to it. I better understand my own tendencies, triggers and some good turn-around techniques. I truly am much healthier than I once was.

I write this for those who may perhaps have their own jaw-dropping moment of self-realization.

I write this for the parent of small kids who sees the picture-perfect Instagram families and feels as though you are somehow failing even though you are giving your kids warmth, love, encouragement and Godly guidance.

I write this for the professional who – though having achieved a great deal – is quick to brush it to the side and feel as though you are still somehow inadequate.

I write this for the person who internally resists compliments because in reality you feel like a fraud or unworthy.

I write this for the person who has deferred a desire or dream, because any time you start you feel as though it would all be a pointless effort anyway.

If any of this resonates with you please know, you are not alone.

What issue Simple Preaching Prep exists to address: A Facebook Live Short

I took some time to address an issue that feeds into why I wrote Simple Preaching Prep.

You can find this clip, and others, on the Simple Preaching Prep Facebook page.

https://markmessmore.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2.1.2022.mp4

Why I wrote Simple Preaching Prep: A Facebook Live Short

I have been encouraged to provide some background on myself as well as why I wrote Simple Preaching Prep. This has been my first take at providing that type of information, which I did via a Facebook Live Video.

Over time, I plan to do other videos on the Simple Preaching Prep Facebook page.

https://markmessmore.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10000000_962059307773170_6434959409363072184_n.mp4

Ministry and Depression: Unexpected Highs and the Reality of Lows

I deal with depression.

I know, happy way to start off my first blog post of the year. But it is a messy reality that I have been learning to navigate for the last several years. In that time I have learned how different circumstances might impact me. For instance, physical fatigue, lack of sleep, and consistent stress are can create a playground for depression. On the other hand, completing tasks, taking adequate times of rest, and intentional solitude (not isolation) can help pull me out of dark places, aiding in a healthier mindset.

Yet even as I know more now than I did when I was first diagnosed, I still don’t have it all figured out.

For instance, how do I talk about this with others? On the one hand, I have found that being open about my struggles has a number of positive benefits. For one, bringing depression into the light robs it of some of its strength. Also, in the times I have spoken publically about my mental health, I have seen it as a benefit to others who can relate in how they struggle.

Yet I have also learned that not everyone can handle such a raw discussion.

In speaking openly there have been times I have received the, “Oh…well we all have some depression don’t we?” Or the even more egregious “Have you tried doing things you enjoy or just choosing to be happy?” And yes, I have even gotten the dreaded, “Can’t you just pray it away? I mean you’re a minister, you’re supposed to have the joy of the Lord!”

Look, I know many of these individuals were well-meaning. Yet such responses are as helpful as shouting to someone stuck in the bottom of a well, “Have you just tried pulling yourself out?”

Since first recognizing my depression for what it was in 2015, I have had some wonderful freedom-inducing conversations where others have been able to see God work in my life and begin to get the help they need. These instances have been the awe-inspiring moments that help me see a living example of Romans 8:28 played out before me.

I have also had raw, honest discussions with people I felt very close to about how dark things were for me…only to have them then disappear from my life. These are people I believed, at the time, would be lifelong friends…only to have them disappear when things got too real.

Yes, to put it lightly, depression sucks.

And yet…even in something as messy, ugly, and complicated as depression…there have been times I have been able to thank God for using it for His glory.

Parenting, Ministry and Publishing: The Unfamiliar and Unexpected

At some point, I will likely elaborate on how the book-writing and publishing process went for me. In some ways, my experience was exactly like many others I have read and considered. In other ways, my experience was wholly unique. But tonight I happened to think how book-writing has been similar to other areas of my life.

I am a parent of two vibrant, exciting, wonderful boys. One will be 13 this year and the other turned nine just a few months ago. Over the years, Kara and I have often discussed how as soon as we felt confident and competent in one season of life, they would grow out of it and we would be starting anew. To complicate matters more, the two boys – while similar – are also VERY different. Thus we often have found ourselves in unfamiliar territory, tackling challenges that are entirely unfamiliar, and sometimes completely unexpected.

It’s that unfamiliar, unexpected feeling that caught my attention tonight. I noticed, perhaps for the first time, how familiar that feeling is to me.

In 2020 I helped lead a church through a pandemic. Some things I did well, others I did not-so-well. But that entire experience was brand new for me. I certainly never had a Bible College course on it. Every aspect was unfamiliar and unexpected.

In 2021 I decided to take all my thoughts on the preaching process and publish a book. With every new chapter of that process (pun intended), there were a bunch of new concepts to learn. Every step was unfamiliar. Some steps were unexpected.

My boys are constantly changing and growing. Every new season is unfamiliar as Kara and I have never walked through it before. Sometimes those seasons show up unexpectedly causing us to respond quicker than we anticipated.

I would love to say I have mastered the art and science of dealing with transitions and changes, but that would be a lie. Every change is unfamiliar and no two are precisely the same. Yet what I can say is that navigating change is less like a math formula and more like a jazz piece.

Jazz, done properly, will always follow concepts of musical theory. However, within those musical rules, jazz allows for a great deal of flexibility and lots of improvisation. There are a lot of good rules and wisdom when navigating unfamiliar and unexpected life change. Yet there is also a need for improvisation and flexibility.

So with whatever change comes your way next, learn what you can, adapt how you must, and improvise as necessary. All this can help you navigate the unfamiliar and unexpected.