John Stott stressed the need for “partnership” between preacher and people in determining what needs should be addressed by the preacher without abnegating prophetic responsibility.28 The sermon is most participatory as “controls” decrease. The preacher serves as a sort of coach, but the congregational responses and interjections create the energy of the event. In an interactive sermon, one doesn’t just hear an occasional “Amen” or “Have mercy!” but responses include facial expressions, swaying bodies, nodding heads, raised hands, foot tapping, shouting, tears, and hand clapping, among others.
...more
