Stephen Barkley
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Faithful sermons require the presence of the Holy Spirit to make them work.
— Willimon, Calling and Character, 134.
Teacher | Author | Practical Theologian
Teacher | Author | Practical Theologian
Stephen Barkley
Faithful sermons require the presence of the Holy Spirit to make them work.
— Willimon, Calling and Character, 134.
Hey Steve. I need this quote written in plain language. I don’t understand it. E.g. What’s a faithful sermon? And what does it mean “to make them work”??
Thanks! 😀
Good question, Jamie. Willimon’s book is concerned with encouraging pastors to live up to their calling.
A faithful sermon is one that springs from the integrity of the pastor—a pastor who is concerned with faithfully sharing what she or he believes is God’s message for the congregation.
To “make them work” sounds a little crass, but it highlights the fact that the pastor cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit—speak directly to people’s hearts. No matter how well crafted the sermon is, it’s the activity of the Spirit that makes it hit home.