Hello all
It's good to have a stimulating conversation. I hope the general public
who can see it find it enjoyable too.
I was accredited as a local preacher two years before I candidated in
1967. The LP studies were useful [I like studying] and my local preacher
friend was a good mentor. The trial sermons for candidating in those
days were in not in my circuit and took me to Brentford and Merton Park.
I also had to submit a written sermon. As far as preaching was concerned
theological college was not much help. The brutal sermon crits that John
S mentioned did little more than undermine my confidence and the
negative theological atmosphere of the time wasn't much help either. I
have always responded better to encouragement than to people who think
that it is necessary to destroy before building up. My year in the US
was more helpful. I took a module that involved preparing and writing
sermons. Over the years I have discovered a lot about myself through
reflecting on the act of preaching but won't bore you with too much
detail. I am not a natural performer and need to work hard on the
delivery aspect. I also make every effort to prepare sermons that have
theological and practical substance and can be clearly understood. I
keep my sermon scripts strictly to 1600-1800 words. As far as other
preachers are concerned, I value their devotion, skill and insights and
think that we have some excellent preachers in our circuit. Not all
appeal to me in style and/or content but I think they will help some
other people. Modern training should produce competent preachers and
that seems to be true of the ones I have heard.
grace and peace
John Y
--
W John Young
Independent Scholar
Wellington, Somerset
