Dear Fellow Believers, What’s a good sermon? Is it a message which seems like it was meant just for you that day? Is it something which makes you think differently about God and your relationship to him? Is it a sermon which explains something in the Bible which you didn’t know before? Is it an invitation or summons to live differently? Is it a word which confirms and strengthens your faith? Is it a message which touches your emotions in such a way that it makes you both laugh and cry? I just returned from a wonderful (although mandatory) theological conference for the pastors of three synods, at which we had four different seminary professors of homiletics, i.e. preaching. It was inspiring, uplifting, challenging and very educational – pretty much like a really good sermon. I can’t promise that my sermons will be any better because of my attendance. But one point which was made is that sermons are (or should be) a big part of our faith formation. Sermons are an ongoing encounter with God who, through his Word, refashions us and strengthens us in our discipleship and servanthood. Faith formation isn’t the result of just one sermon, but of our continuing exposure to the Christian tradition. The liturgy and hymns in worship also play a significant part in our faith formation, as does, of course, Bible study itself. The Bible verse memorized by the children in our preschool last month was, “We are the clay, You are the Potter” (Isaiah 64:8). God is always forming and refashioning us. Peace & Joy!
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