Written by: Conrade Yap
POINT: We learn so much about learning how to do expository preaching, what about helping the congregation toward expository listening?
At Regent-College, one of my favourite courses is expository preaching, conducted and eloquently taught by Professor Darrell Johnson. As a required course for MDiv students, we go through the basics of learning to do exegesis, to interpret the passage and their contexts, and to be faithful to what the texts say. A unique approach is the way Professor Johnson encourages each student's preaching practice time. He asks for fellow students to evaluate the 10 minutes preaching effort. All of us are encouraged to listen well, and to give feedback so as to help the student improve. I have many enjoyable times, being encouraged that I am not the only person nervous about preaching up front.
Indeed, speaking in public is one thing. Trying to be faithful to the Bible without becoming boring is an art. In this sense, preaching is both an art as well as a science. Yet, for all the expository preaching that we learn, what about the standpoint of the listener? Is there such thing as 'expository listening?'
According to Ken Ramey, there is. Ramey has just released a handbook called "Expository Listening: A handbook for Hearing and Doing God's Word." As I think about it, it certainly makes sense. What good is there for TV stations to transmit signals, if people do not have any television sets? What good is learning to speak eloquently in French, if the people we speak to do not understand French? Likewise, if we preachers spend so much time in preparing expository sermons, what about spending some of this time to teach the congregations how to listen?
I believe that preaching is one of the greatest privileges given to any Christian. Mind you, we can easily turn preaching into a pathway for super-stardom. When this happens, we are in danger of leading the people away from worshiping God. We end up putting ourselves on the pedestal instead of serving the people by pointing their eyes of Jesus. In teaching listening, we connect with the congregation even more, as they understand more of where we are coming from, and we seek to understand where they are coming from. Here are 5 tips I have for teaching listening.
My Tips For Teaching Listening?
1) Explain
We need to explain the terms we use as we preach. Sometimes, a simple word like 'salvation' needs a simple definition. We cannot assume everyone in the congregation is on the same wavelength. Explain it as simple as possible. Explain the context behind our use. Explain the reason why we are using it. Be sure to inform the congregation why we are doing what we are doing. You may even want to emphasize that you are not trying to 'boast' but to encourage the congregation to grow along with it. Remember, as preachers, for our congregation to grow, they need to learn new vocabulary as well. Explain in a manner than encourages congregational listening. This may mean stories, anecdotes or quotations that are consistent with the point of the message.
2) Introducing New Words
If we are constantly using the same old words, how do we encourage the congregation to learn? Share about new terms, even theological words. Talk about 'dualism.' Mention 'eschatology.' Introduce 'theism.' Let me then caution that each use needs to be followed up with clear explanations and examples of what they mean. Say it. Use it. Then apply it in the context of the Church. Of course, we should never introduce new words simply for the fun of it, or to show off. Use it purposefully. For example, if we want to talk about the need not to separate life into the 'sacred' and the 'secular,' use the word 'dualism' where appropriate.
3) Repeat them
Congregations tend to forget sermons easily. Some even forgets the sermon after lunch! Of course, I am not talking about those who sleep through each morning's message. Repetition is the golden rule in preaching. We repeat our main point(s). We repeat the words we use. We repeat them week after week, especially difficult concepts or hard words. Sometimes, we need to repeat a certain idea using a few different examples. This repetition aids listening.
4) Be Listeners Ourselves
A skill that preachers can pick up is to listen to other sermons. Listen not just to your own sermons, but to listen in on how good preachers deliver their sermons. As we learn from them, we can incorporate what works, and what does not work into our own messages. Preachers are first and foremost listeners for God's voice. Once I got a call to preach at the last minute. I hesitated before agreeing. I took the time to pray. I took the time to seek God. For if I do not have a message, I should not preach. If God gives a message, He will surely provide the necessary resources to help us preach.
Listen to others. Listen to God speaking in our hearts. Listen like an ordinary believer in Christ.
5) Read Ken Ramey's book
Last but not least, there is a quote from the book which explains what exactly is expository listening.
"Merely hearing a sermon is easy; it requires a properly functioning auditory system, but it's essentially a passive exercise. Actively listening to the preaching of God's Word requires mental alertness, focused attention, and a spiritually receptive heart." (Lance Quinn) - thanks to Tim Challies for this.
Fellow preachers, as much as we learn expository preaching in school, do expository preaching in our churches. let us not forget about the congregation: Expository Listening.
conrade
No comments:
Post a Comment