Preacher's Magazine

[Charles W Christian]

Anyone read Preacher's Magazine?

What are your thoughts?

If you could design (re-design) it, what would it include?

Thoughts??

Charles

[Mike Norris]

....I get it. I don't read it. I need to read something more than a journal filled with sermons.

[Charles W Christian]

....I get it. I don't read it. I need to read something more than a journal filled with sermons.

Interesting.... What kind of format would be more useful/helpful, do you think? I confess I dont always read the sermons -- maybe occassionally to see if there are some good illustrations, etc. If know one of the contributors I may take a look.... Also, the articles get my attention at times, but not too often.

Other thoughts?

Thanks,
Charles

[Kent Campbell]

Charles I get and I read it, as well. I like the idea that they follow the Lectionary (since I preach from the Lectionary myself). However, there is one thing that I would like to see and that is more than just one of the Lectionary passages commented on. Yes, I know that it would mean more work for the contributors but it would allow for more contributors and more of connecting the day Scriptures together. Just my opinion. This is not something that must be set in stone.

[Charles W Christian]

Charles I get and I read it, as well. I like the idea that they follow the Lectionary (since I preach from the Lectionary myself). However, there is one thing that I would like to see and that is more than just one of the Lectionary passages commented on. Yes, I know that it would mean more work for the contributors but it would allow for more contributors and more of connecting the day Scriptures together. Just my opinion. This is not something that must be set in stone.

This makes sense to me, Kent....If it were more about creative ways of handling the lectionary texts rather than just an example of how a particular preacher/sermon can address the text, it probably would be more useful (and more widely read).....

Thanks! Hopefully more to come....

Charles

[Bill Evans]

I recently started receiving it again after having been out of the pastorate for 14 years. I am disappointed with the changes that have been made as I always believed that there was much more to being a pastor than simply preparing messages. While this may not be the intention of the editorial staff, it leaves the impression that sermon writing and preparation is the only thing that a pastor should focus his/her attention on.
I am happy in my current ministry as a hospice chaplain so I think that money is being wasted on sending it to me.

[Barb Bouldrey]

The "new" format is more geared toward sermon helps than the "old" format was. I used to enjoy reading it when it was the "old" format. It had a "Minister's Mate" article each month.

In 1985 I had an article published in the Preacher's Magazine. My claim to fame. LOL

Barb

[John Kennedy]

So far we have no one courageous enough to step forward and admit that "Ark Rocker" was the part they read first and remembered most.

[Ryan Scott]

II always believed that there was much more to being a pastor than simply preparing messages.


To be fair, it is Preacher's magazine and not Pastor's magazine. The latter would be a much larger volume.

[Hal Paul]

When I was at NNC I added Philosophy as a second major during my Junior year. After declaring the major, I started getting copies of Preachers Magazine in my mailbox, I guess because the philosophy degree was under the religion department. I looked at it a couple times, then just started throwing the new issues away when I got them. Since that time I have occasionally asked pastors if they use it. Most of them say they don't.

I've visited a few churches where I'm pretty sure the pastors were using the sermon outlines in Preachers. I remember one time when I was traveling and visited a different church each Sunday for about a month. They were all preaching using the same sermon series. I remember thinking it was kind of odd that all of them were preaching on the same topic until I went home and when I was visiting my pastor in his office, I started thumbing through his current copy of Preachers (he said he didn't read it) and realized where they had gotten their outline. Oh! and the series had been written by one of my former pastors.

[Eric Frey]

I think they should revive the Ark Rocker!

[Chuck Millhuff]

Anyone read Preacher's Magazine?

What are your thoughts?

If you could design (re-design) it, what would it include?

Thoughts??

Charles

Love the paper stock they use. I like the idea of a pastor or evangelist going to his or her knees and searching the word for God's word for the flock. The lectionary in my opinion has value for other denominational constructs. It my be 500 years old but it lends itself to lazy structured sermons in my opinion. As a lifetime evangelist of course I cannot relate to the "every week a new sermon or sermons" pastor.

[Charles W Christian]

Love the paper stock they use. I like the idea of a pastor or evangelist going to his or her knees and searching the word for God's word for the flock. The lectionary in my opinion has value for other denominational constructs. It my be 500 years old but it lends itself to lazy structured sermons in my opinion. As a lifetime evangelist of course I cannot relate to the "every week a new sermon or sermons" pastor.

Chuck -
I see your point, and I understand your (evangelist's) perspective (to use a pun :-)).

In defense of the Lectionary, which I admit isn't for everyone and I've only made use of over the last 5 or 6 years and even then not rigidly at times:
1) With a commitment to the Lectionary, one is brought to his/her knees before God just like any other sermon prep method. A commitment to the lectionary is a commitment to utilize a text from the four sections of biblical materials each week in keeping with the theme presented. It is a way of "submitting to those in authority" in a manner of speaking, and it recognizes that the sermon is a gift from God given both through and to (not JUST to) the Church.

2) Preaching from the Lectionary forces the pastor/preacher to preach from texts at times that he/she would not always choose right away. If one has committed oneself to the Lectionary for a length of time, it is a commitment to at times moving beyond "comfortable" texts.

3) If one uses the lectionary for three years, and if one incorporates the public reading of Scripture in the worship service, you will have shared almost the whole Bible with your congregation -- both through reading and through the sermon -- in three years! I know of few preachers who share that much of the Bible in that amount of time on their own with their congregation.

4) What I have seen in this new experience of using the lectionary is that the Holy Spirit is much bigger than I had sometimes given the Holy Spirit credit for! When I use the lectionary and can plan at least the texts of my sermons months in advance, it is amazing to me how often some situation in the world, in our church, or in the lives of people are addressed specifically through these texts that were already picked in advance! When that happens, we can never take "credit" for it, but with the lectionary, we surely cannot! We were simply following the Holy Spirit in the greater Church, and look what He does!

5) When we preach from "harder texts" -- including texts and times that address a tough situation -- we again cannot take credit for it - or "blame." During my time with the lectionary, I have had people say, "Pastor, did you aim that sermon at me and my situation, since you learned about it in the last couple of weeks?" I could then honestly say, "No," and then show them how the texts of the Lectionary, already planned in advance, were utilized. This leaves them even more open to the Spirit's leadership, because they can see clearly that there is no manipulation of the texts on my part! So, in that sense, I've found the lectionary MORE freeing than just a free, week to week method of preparation!

There are times each year when I depart slightly from the Lectionary. I do one series through a book or special theme of the Bible each year, which sometimes follows the lectionary but sometimes doesn't. Otherwise, I utilize the lectionary faithfully and my congregation (especially my worship team, since they can see in advance the major themes that arise from the texts!) has really learned to appreciate this!

The biggest "convincers" have come when some have traveled and attended other churches on their vacations, or when their children have traveled. If, while on the road, they attend another church that utilizes the lectionary -- even another denomination -- they return knowing that the message and readings they have heard have covered similar ground as their home church! What a way to demonstrate the unity of the Body of Christ Jesus prayed for in John 17!!

Anyway.... there's my "article." Maybe I'll send it to Preacher's! :basic03

Blessings,
Charles

[Jon Twitchell]

Charles,

That's a great list... let me add one more:

Using a lectionary allows a preacher to work in community. The nature of sermon preparation lends itself to interpretting the text in isolation, which removes accountability and dialogue prior to the delivery. By joining in community with other preachers around the text, the give-and-take of ideas often helps to improve sermons (and to eliminate poor ideas that might have been presented had the preacher prepared in isolation).

[Oliver Phillips]

Good to know that the use of the lectionary has some support. I agree, it is not for lazy pastors; it takes extradordinary discipline.

Check this one out: http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/

[William Hunter]

I do not use the "Preacher's Mag" at all. I was taught not to preach other's sermons, plus those outlines to not fit the needs of my local church and the culture in which we minister. It is not helpful for me at all.

Recently I got out some "Preacher's Magazine" from the 1960's. Missionary H.K. Bedwell, Principle of the Nazarene Bible Training College in Stegi, Swaziland, South Africa, did an out standing study series titled, "The Greatest Prayer of All" from John 17. I have kept many of the issues I have from that time frame, and some that are older that I have inherited from retired pastor friends. There was much more to help us in those issues.

I also have a few copies from the mid 90's that are helpful. The current PM just does not meet any of my needs. I even had 3-4 articles published in those years in the PM.

I even have a copy of "GROW" from the Spring of 1996 when I was on the front cover. It made my mother proud.

[Glenn Messer]

There are few new ideas floating around in sermon development. Somebody, somewhere has probably thought of it already. Often it is the 'grain' of an idea planted by someone else's observation that gets my wheels turning.

I don't normally use the lectionary, but I have no problem with those who like to use it. Likewise, the last edition of the Preacher's Mag. has a couple of excellent series included. Just because the idea is not original with me, doesn't mean that my people should be denied the truth that it opens to us. I always credit any source, even for an idea, but I always shape the idea to fit my personality and abilities.

Sometimes I share my own thoughts. For instance, in the story of the sheep and goats (Matt. 25) I had never given much thought to the reaction of the sheep in the story. Then it dawned on me that they seemed to be equally surprised by their treatment by the King. I asked myself, "Why"? The answer I came to was that, in their minds, they had done nothing extraordinary. They were living out their lives --- normally. It was who they were -- nothing more, nothing less. For me there is a lesson in there somewhere. Is it enough that we are "who we are" everyday in our world? That was 'new' to me, but I suspect that somebody else has preached it before.

One of the great things about truth is that it bears repeating.

[Kent Campbell]

I agree 100% that using the Lectionary takes discipline. I also take exception to the idea that using the Lectionary lends itself to lazy structured sermons. On the contrary, it forces a pastor to look at all the Scripture readings and see how they connect. Also, I like Jon's comments about how the use of the Lectionary lends itself to working in community (I AM NOT SAYING THAT THOSE THAT DON'T USE THE LECTIONARY ARE NOT WORKING IN COMMUNITY).

[Chuck Millhuff]

I agree 100% that using the Lectionary takes discipline. I also take exception to the idea that using the Lectionary lends itself to lazy structured sermons. On the contrary, it forces a pastor to look at all the Scripture readings and see how they connect. Also, I like Jon's comments about how the use of the Lectionary lends itself to working in community (I AM NOT SAYING THAT THOSE THAT DON'T USE THE LECTIONARY ARE NOT WORKING IN COMMUNITY).



Dr. Christian makes many good points, so many in fact in might make for a good article in The Evangelists' Perspective. Dr. Criswell of the great First Baptist Church of Dallas, Tx. who pastored there for well over 50 years told me he had almost preached through the Bible for the third time and he saw it as by far the best way to cover all issues and on time in his great and growing church. We all would agree I am sure that there is more than one best way to arrange preaching. We are doctrinally weak in the pew because we have left the ABC type of series that was once popular. You will have to strain to teach the doctrine of Entire Sanctification for a month or three in the Lectionary. Preaching through a book is unforgettable as well. My real problem with TPM is that it has come down with one way to preach when there are many that given different arguments are as good as the other. The Lectionary should be printed Nazarene style and offered for sale. You can of course buy it from other publishers already in dramatically good style and bindings. Well I don't mean to lecture (pardon the pun) but that is my offering.

[Greg Gates]

Pastors don't have a forum to add opinions and advice regarding issues specific to Nazarenes. I think in the past PM provided such a forum. I miss that.

The problem with PM today is it only aims to meet one need. If you decide to not use their sermon then the magazine is just another waste of WEF money.

Why don't they ask the pastors if they want it before they send it? I bet only 5% of pastors would want to receive it.

You can take me off the list.

[Greg Gates]

you can take me off the stupid Grow magazine list too. What a ridiculous cheap job that magazine is.

But it sure does a great job of keeping you up to date on churches within a 50 mile radius of headquarters!

Ha Ha Ha

[Chuck Millhuff]

Pastors don't have a forum to add opinions and advice regarding issues specific to Nazarenes. I think in the past PM provided such a forum. I miss that.

The problem with PM today is it only aims to meet one need. If you decide to not use their sermon then the magazine is just another waste of WEF money.

Why don't they ask the pastors if they want it before they send it? I bet only 5% of pastors would want to receive it.

You can take me off the list.

I happen to know that Clertgy services is in a major survey to find out what the preachers want and need.

[Evan Abla]

I receive Preacher's and am very pleased with it. The commentary is extremely helpful in exegesis and I find a variety of homiletic methods in the sermon samples. As a children's pastor who preaches the lectionary, I write my own sermons every week, 48 of them every year (give or take). That comes to about a gross every 3-year lection cycle. Obviously there are some passages that I cannot preach to children (Genesis 9, 19-the last part-, 34, etc.). Most of those don't come up too often in the RCL anyway. Which is my only problem with the RCL--that it doesn't hit every passage of scripture in the cycle, but that would make me a lazy preacher:).

I just think that along with my Word Biblical, Interpreter's, Interpretation, and N. T. Wright commentaries, Preacher's is a great resource. Wow, you'd think I worked for them.

[Ryan Scott]

Preacher's Magazine is not just a Nazarene publication, lots of preachers from lots of denominations and congregation focused on holiness preaching receive the magazine. I think some even pay for it.

Perhaps it just has more respect outside the Church of the Nazarene than it does within. I remember that my grandfather had every single issue saved and cataloged for future reference - and he wasn't even a lectionary preacher (although he was a Nazarene).

[Chuck Millhuff]

Preacher's Magazine is not just a Nazarene publication, lots of preachers from lots of denominations and congregation focused on holiness preaching receive the magazine. I think some even pay for it.

Perhaps it just has more respect outside the Church of the Nazarene than it does within. I remember that my grandfather had every single issue saved and cataloged for future reference - and he wasn't even a lectionary preacher (although he was a Nazarene).

I own every TPM from the first one up into the 80's. The little ones. Dr. Chapman and Dr. Norman oak's stuff is rich. Got them from my father-in-law befrore his death two years ago this August. Good stuff. Very good stuff! This does of course does not remove new ideas as well for now.
How many of you preach from manuscripts?

[Mike Schutz]

For me Preacher's Magazine is a helpful, auxiliary resource. However, it does seem to me a waste of denominational money to mail a copy to every pastor, as it is the kind of resource that can be best used online - which is how I more often use it.

http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/pmol/index.htm

[Mark Woodward]

I would like TPM to include responsive readings ideas, prayers, benedictions etc. For ideas - that would be really helpful.
As far as Lectionary being for lazy - think it has been defended well. Interesting how the grass is greener adage works both ways. Some could think being an evangelist could be seen as the lazy way. No need to stick around and work through all the "hard" moments - you could have one or two good series and preach it each time you blow into town. Guess we all need to walk a mile.
Also, if you are following the lectionary - this does not preclude preaching a series like on holiness. Very disciplined to lay the filter of holiness over the text. I have noticed several times in TPM a theme for a section being drawn out of a text. I actually don't read it much unless I know the contributor- could easily do without it. Perhaps less magazine and more pension would be nice.

[Kevin Rector]

I like preacher's magazine but I too think that it could be a simply put online and save the denomination a bunch of money in printing costs. I suppose though that if people outside of the denomination pay for it, and they underwrite the costs for us inside the denomination then it would be worth it.

How many of you preach from manuscripts?

I don't preach from a manuscript. Usually I don't even use notes.

[Christa Woodward]

Preaching through a book is unforgettable as well.

My dad often/almost always preached straight through books in his pastoral ministry...I think some people in Seattle would disagree with this as they still talk about his series on Matthew almost 20 years later. And he didn't even have to lose his pants on the platform in order for them to remember it...:) Christa (Daniels) Woodward

[Chuck Millhuff]

well to be remembered is worth something. At least my ....... werep clean as they are to be in a wreck. Is those heavy mike things in your pocket. I bought a lectioary belt. Has it's place in every sermon.

[Sharon Isley]

When I first started recieving the magazine I loved it. There was so much to read that was helpful. I do understand why the changes were made a few years back, but I have never used the sermons, and I miss the old format with a variety of articles.

[Charles W Christian]

When I first started recieving the magazine I loved it. There was so much to read that was helpful. I do understand why the changes were made a few years back, but I have never used the sermons, and I miss the old format with a variety of articles.

Sharon -
I agree with your assessment here. Thanks!

CWC

[Greg Gates]

I do understand why the changes were made a few years back...

Unlike you, I have no idea why the changes were made. Expecting two KC pastors to produce something that resonates with pastors across the denomination is an exercise in futility.

"Why oh why do we get the same results when we do the same thing over and over?"

There's something KC can't understand!

[Larry Wilson]

When I was at NNC I added Philosophy as a second major during my Junior year. After declaring the major, I started getting copies of Preachers Magazine in my mailbox, I guess because the philosophy degree was under the religion department. I looked at it a couple times, then just started throwing the new issues away when I got them. Since that time I have occasionally asked pastors if they use it. Most of them say they don't.

Hi, to another philosophy/religion major from NNU! Got mine in 1969 from NNC with Dr. Sanner and Weigelt in religion and Jack Jones in philosophy!

Interesting to hear that someone uses the sermon material. Frankly, I was disappointed when the format changed. I recognize that periodicals go through both minor and major transitions over the years, but this one seemed to out of synch with what the grassroots wanted and needed. I just repacked may Dad's collection of Preacher's Magazines from the '50s - each one a real gem!! The front covers alone are priceless. Thoughtful articles by the best minds of the times.

Actually, I don't know that I have ever used a sermon outline from a publication or book! I've used sermon ideas from others, with due credit, but to use a "canned" outline seems foreign to me. I've got plenty of outlines from my father and grandfather to use . . .

[Billy Cox]

"Why oh why do we get the same results when we do the same thing over and over?"


The more likely question...

"We are doing the same thing over and over, why have the results changed?"

Interest in denominational print publications is sliding downhill fast. It is not a reflection of the writing quality or content, just a victim of the internet and the democratization of information. For me personally, I would rather read a blog article that sparks two way conversation. Letters to the editor that may or may not ever be printed just don't jazz me the way they used to.

[Dennis Bratcher]

You will have to strain to teach the doctrine of Entire Sanctification for a month or three in the Lectionary.

Chuck, I'm just curious why you think that is so?

Also curiosity: Do you think the purpose of preaching is to teach doctrine?

Grace and peace,

Dennis B.