The Problems With Original Preaching

Original sermons, pressure, and ethical alternatives

This letter reflects on whether sermon originality is always the most important virtue in the pulpit, especially when gifted preaching can serve the church well. It also considers the workload many ministers carry and asks whether expectations—and even Sunday evening services—should be rethought in some contexts.

• Originality matters, but ethical use of others’ sermons may still serve the church well when acknowledged.
• Many ministers face heavy weekly demands that can make consistent sermon preparation difficult.
• Creative and ethical alternatives may help relieve pressure without compromising biblical accuracy.

Expanding the Role of Preachers

As we consider the pressures of preparing original sermons, it’s essential to recognize the broader role of preachers in their communities. They are not just speakers; they are leaders who influence lives in various ways. Their sermons can be a source of hope, guidance, and encouragement, but they also serve as a reflection of their ability to connect with the congregation on a personal level. The challenge lies in balancing the desire for originality with the practicalities of their responsibilities.

For example, a preacher may feel the weight of expectations to produce a unique sermon every week, but they can also collaborate with fellow ministers or tap into a network of resources that provide fresh ideas. This approach does not diminish the impact of their message; rather, it enhances it, allowing preachers to deliver content that resonates deeply while managing their time effectively.

Building Community Through Shared Messages

Moreover, sharing insightful sermons from other preachers can facilitate a sense of community among congregants. Hearing diverse voices can enrich the worship experience, allowing members to engage with a variety of perspectives and styles. This diversity can spark discussions that lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections within the church community. Instead of viewing the use of original sermons from others as a compromise, it can be seen as an opportunity for growth.

Incorporating guest speakers or leveraging technology to share sermons from other reputable ministers can help foster a culture of learning and collaboration within the church. These efforts can lead to a more enriched worship experience and allow preachers to focus on their strengths, whether it’s pastoral care, counseling, or leadership.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Lastly, it’s crucial to encourage open dialogue about the nature of preaching within the church. Congregants should feel empowered to express their thoughts on the sermons they hear and the overall direction of the ministry. This feedback can be invaluable for preachers, giving them insight into the needs and desires of their congregation. By creating an environment where communication flows freely, the church can cultivate a healthier dynamic that supports both preachers and their congregants.

As we navigate the complexities of preaching in today’s world, let’s embrace the idea that originality is just one aspect of a multifaceted ministry. We can build a thriving church community that values both original sermons and the ethical sharing of ideas, ultimately enriching the spiritual lives of everyone involved.

By Mark A. Taylor

Is originality overrated?

After weighing what our writers this week have said about stolen sermons, I’ve decided something: Originality can be overrated. Am I the only one who feels this way? Many congregants appreciate the delivery of powerful, pre-crafted messages that resonate deeply. Give me a stem winder by Bob Russell or a tearjerker by Max Lucado any day before making me sit through a ho hum homily whose main virtue is that it wasn’t copied. Of course, the preacher shouldn’t pass off someone else’s sermon as his own. But why should we church members care if the man in the pulpit has memorized and delivered well the skillfully crafted words of a true master? Can’t we allow for that? Indeed, shouldn’t we even encourage it? Sharing the brilliance of others can elevate the worship experience significantly, provided there is honesty in attribution. Why are preachers afraid to give us the excellent words of someone else and say so? Incorporating external influences can enrich the message and deepen the congregation’s understanding.

More than 25 minutes a week

Maybe it’s because too many in the pew still believe the preacher’s job is only to preach. We feed that falsehood by judging his whole ministry on the basis of 25 minutes a week. The church needs a leader, an evangelist, a counselor, a servant, and a manager every bit as much as it needs a public speaker. If a minister can do well at even two or three of the first five, can’t we cut him some slack on number six? Preaching is just one facet of a complex role that requires a multitude of skills. Consider the myriad responsibilities: attending meetings, providing pastoral care, and participating in community outreach. Each of these tasks demands time and energy, which can detract from sermon preparation. Embracing shared resources and leveraging the preaching of others can free ministers to excel in these wider responsibilities and improve their overall effectiveness.

The weekly load and Sunday evening services

Or maybe the problem is that too many preachers have too many messages to prepare each week. Especially in smaller churches, the minister may be called to lead a Sunday school class, teach a midweek lesson, and preach two new sermons each Sunday (morning and evening). Adequate preparation for such a load could reasonably fill 30 hours. Do we really believe our ministers can meet our expectations and fulfill their calling in the remaining 20 or so hours in their work week? With the diverse needs of the congregation, it becomes increasingly difficult to balance all these demands without sacrificing quality. One solution would be to rethink the Sunday evening service. Who attends it? What needs does a second preaching service every week really meet? Could the time our minister spends to prepare that message accomplish more given to something else? Perhaps this time could be better spent in community engagement or deeper personal preparation for Sunday mornings.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against Sunday evening church if it can accomplish something significant, and I know some places it does. And I hear a good sermon an original sermon! every week I attend my home church. There’s lots of good preaching across the country, and many congregations find value in evening services that offer a different format or focus. However, for others, the opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge may be more beneficial. It’s essential to evaluate whether this service meets the spiritual needs of the congregation effectively. We should also consider the pressure felt by preachers to produce a biblically accurate message that motivates and challenges a diverse audience with high expectations week after week after week—that’s a heavier load than most laymen understand. It’s no wonder to me that some preachers buckle under the weight of it. By encouraging dialogue about the value and structure of church services, we can foster an environment that supports both the preacher and the congregation.

Maybe it’s time to find some creative and ethical alternatives. Emphasizing collaboration among ministers can lead to a richer sermon experience overall. Whether through shared resources, sermon series, or workshops, the church can create an ecosystem where preaching is a shared endeavor rather than a solitary task. This approach can help rejuvenate ministers, allowing them to focus on crafting messages that resonate deeply, even if those messages draw on the wisdom of others.

Tell us what you think about original sermons, Sunday evening worship services, or anything else! Send your Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Your insights are valuable, and the discussion on the balance between originality and shared wisdom in preaching is vital for the health of the church.

Author: Mark A. Taylor

Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).