Some general information and observations*
Our focus on Sunday morning is Christian worship in a Mennonite/Anabaptist context. The sermon is a central part of our worship, and the preacher’s primary task is not to provide us with an interesting lecture on a given topic (although careful reflection and scholarship is very useful); nor is it to entertain (although holding the congregation’s attention is a worthwhile aim). Rather, the preacher’s primary task is to proclaim the Good News.
- We encourage you to read the intro to the series (found on the website and in the AssemblyLine). It also might be helpful to listen to other sermons in the series if you have missed them.
- Check in with the worship leader (found on the grid) early in the week and let them know something about where you are headed thematically. This helps us to craft a service that is cohesive and thoughtful. They can tell you if there are other things going on in the service that you should know about (like communion or a baby dedication). Let them know if you have hymn suggestions and preferences on a Bible translation. Please choose a translation with inclusive/expansive language for God and people.
- At Assembly, we welcome challenging stories and topics, however, if your sermon contains sensitive content (infertility, sexual assault, etc), we’d like to let people know the week before in the Assemblyline. Ask yourself, is the content of your sermon appropriate for all who have gathered? Consider who might be vulnerable in this sharing? Avoid gratuitous use of offensive language (words considered vulgar), and even if you don’t think it is gratuitous, double-check with a pastor.
- Try to keep your sermon to 15-17 minutes. Focus on one idea. Generally, less is more.
- Practice reading your sermon aloud and time yourself. (It’s likely longer than you think) Consider reading it aloud to someone beforehand.
- If this is your first time preaching at Assembly, Anna will have a check-in phone call with you or take you out for coffee as you prepare. She’s also happy to read through it ahead of time and/or talk with you about it after if that’s helpful.
- If you have tech, please email it to soundbooth@assemblymennonite.org by Saturday morning. Power points/ images are welcome but not expected.
Other things to keep in mind:
- Generally there is no cup of water on the table, so you might want to bring one up.
- Generally, our practice is not to pray with/on you before you preach, but you are welcome to begin with a prayer.
- People like to laugh. But don’t get so carried away with jokes that you miss out on substance.
- The majority of preachers preach from a manuscript, but we welcome different styles. Whatever your style, preparation is key.
- There is an earpiece mic if you want to move around but most preachers stand behind the lectern.
- There are some commentaries in the church library and resources in the closet outside of Scott’s office. If you are looking for more resources on a particular topic please reach out to any of the pastors. The Goshen College or AMBS libraries are great resources. Also, Working Preacher, the Bible Worm, Pulpit Fiction, and The Bible for Normal People are great preaching prep podcasts.
AYS
*Most of these guidelines also pertain to storytelling, which we do during the summer months. Generally, storytelling is less Bible-centered and more informal.
From VT Worship Leader Edition:
178 Preaching
Preaching at its best is an encounter with the living Word of God. Preaching proclaims the gospel- the good news of Jesus Christ- to God’s people.
Preaching is focused, has a clear purpose, grounded in scripture, intended for the ear, structured and practiced.