Welcome to the The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better.
In this episode, I want to talk to you about avoiding indecent exposure in the pulpit…
To illustrate is to shed light on the subject. Illustrations are like windows in a house. They let the light in. They can also let in voyeurs, seeking to eye the forbidden. There is no place for voyeurism in the pulpit. Sermon illustrations should be like letting sunlight into a window, not like putting a spotlight on a stage.
Here are ten guidelines for avoiding indecent exposure in the pulpit…
- Thou shalt not embrarass thy neighbor.
- Think twice.
- Do not boast.
- Ask permission.
- Do not use illustration from counseling sessions.
- Spare us the details.
- Don’t play the hero.
- Good for the soul, bad for the reputation.
- Make sure you are over it before you talk about it.
- Remember it’s not about you.
Questions
What do you do to avoid incident exposure in the pulpit? What advice would you give about guarding the dignity of the pulpit?
Recommended Resources
- On Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr.
- The Power of Preaching by Tony Evans
- Why Johnny Can’t Preach by T. David Gordon
The way to avoid indecent exposure in the pulpit is to remember the message is not about you. – H.B. Charles Jr.
The Cutting It Straight Expository Preaching Conference will take place September 19-21, 2019 at the Shiloh Church in Jacksonville, Florida. This conference is dedicated to training, promoting, and modeling biblical preaching and teaching. There will be tracks for preaching, Christian education, Pastors’ Wives, Women’s Ministries, and Worship and Arts. Register today!
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