Preaching Re-Imagined::section 3:chapter 4

The Roots of Speaching

Much of this chapter, Doug explains some changes that took place through the history of the church that led to sermons into the well crafted speaches. Back in the day (pre-industrial reformation) rural communities would have a residential pastor along with their own community's church. With the industrial reformation and people migrating into the cities the days of a "residential pastor" were fleeting. This opened the door for the itinerant preacher to come in, set up shop (large tent) and preach to a large community. Doug wrote:

Over time the issue in the minds of the pastor and parishioner was not How are we living with GOD? but What do you have for me to hear?

This transition in mindset made a lot of sense when I thought about it. Having a pastor directly involved and living in the community would allow them to ask the question How are we living..., and when the transition happened that would change the relationship between the pastor and parishioners.

A quote without context, but I believe that it stands strong on its own:

It's difficult to justify the more natural exression when the synthetic has become the norm.

and one more:

But we will flourish in settings where there is dialogue, where we become part of the learning and growing process of our congregations--not just as leaders, but as peole who are also learning and growing--in ways we never imagined possible.

The last quote seems a bit sensationalized, but I like it.