Be Fed That You May Feed

A religious writer asked for a word of wisdom.

Said the Master, 

'Some people write to make a living; others to share their insights or raise questions that will haunt their readers; others yet to understand their very souls.

None of these will last. 

That distinction belongs to those who write only because if they did not they would burst.'

—Anthony deMello, Awakening: Conversations with the Master

Must preach or burst!

Is this how you feel when you write your sermons?

Like if you don't preach you'll burst?

That you can't not preach?

As if to hold the Gospel in would be to ask too much of your spirit?

I hope so! 

But if you don't feel this way, would you like to feel preaching were this integral to your being?

Disclaimer: I wish I could offer a seven-step, guaranteed program to ensure you'll feel this passionate about your preaching every week. 

But I can't. 

Such a suggestion would be hubris because only the Holy Spirit can make this happen. 

However, I can tell you a habit guaranteed to ensure you won't feel this passionate about your preaching, ever: only read the Word for your congregation's sake.

Is the word a tool? Or a source of Nourishment?

Consider how we feed people with the Word week in and week out:

• Sermons

• Bible studies

• Prayers

When we're only using the Word as a tool necessary for ministry, sure, we get fed on the side. 

But we don't eat the main course. 

When we don't sit at the banquet table and feast daily on the Word ourselves, we slowly starve ourselves. 

We know we're starving when:

• Preaching becomes a test of strength, willpower, and adrenaline.

• Preaching doesn't give us life, it drains it.

• Preaching hangs over our heads all week.

Not only is that dynamic not fun for any one Sunday, feeling like preaching is a chore is a dismal prospect when counting the number of sermons left until retirement.

For some, the number of Sundays yet to preach is enough to cause them to wonder whether they should leave ministry altogether. 

That's tragic and entirely avoidable.

Plus, I don't think that's what God had in mind when God asked each of us to become a preacher.

Feast on the Word

So, how about it? Ready to be fed by the Word? To feast? Right now?

When you're done reading this post, invite the Word to feed you.

Spend your next ten minutes reading scripture (any passage you like as long as it doesn't have to do with work).

Then spend ten minutes with God in quiet. 

Let yourself be fed by the Source of all words.

Savor each word.

Relish the silence.

Rest and breathe.

If you feel so moved, join our FREE 5-day Sermon Prep Challenge happening this week.

Nearly 500 preachers are engaging a number of practices to revitalize sermon prep and sharing their reflections.

The challenge started Sunday, but you can catch up. Guided by an empowering video, Sunday’s challenge asked us to reflect on a powerful sermon we’ve heard or preached, to remember what drew us to preaching in the first place, and to reflect on the joy of sharing God’s word.

If that kind of reflection would help you pull up a chair to the table and feast, click here to join the Challenge (happening over on Facebook).

I'll pray for you this week as you spend time with the Source of all words.

Be Good News to Preach Good News,

Lisa+