In an era of shifting dynamics, the art of delivering impactful sermons faces a spectrum of challenges. While some sermons resonate deeply, sparking spiritual transformation, others might intellectually engage but fall short of igniting the heart.
Recently, pastor Xu Ronglai (a pseudonym), a millennial pastor from South China, shed light on the intricacies of preparing sermons that convey the grace of God. In an interview with Christian Times, Pastor Xu expounded on his strategies and principles for sermon preparation, addressing the influence of renowned pastors' resources, the vitality of local pastoral care, and the delicate balance between biblical interpretation and practical application.
Christian Times: Pastor Xu, can you share your approach to sermon preparation and your guiding principles?
Pastor Xu: Certainly. I view sermons through two lenses: themed sermons and Bible interpretation sermons. My training leans towards the latter, which requires a deep dive into the scripture and distilling its essence. The themed sermon is to support the theme with relevant scripture.
Christian Times: Given the abundance of online resources from renowned pastors, do you find local preaching challenging?
Pastor Xu: Indeed, the rise of online resources raises questions about substituting offline sermons with digital content. While I recognize the value of these resources, local pastors play a crucial role in addressing specific needs and offering tailored pastoral care. While renowned pastors bring unique gifts, local pastors provide insights relevant to their congregations' contexts.
Christian Times: How do you approach sermon preparation and what aspects do you emphasize?
Pastor Xu: Certainly. Our church follows a structured approach to sermon preparation. At the beginning of each year, we establish a calendar with themes for the upcoming months. These overarching themes are then distilled into specific topics for each Sunday, aligning with events such as Christmas, the start of the school year, and Easter. These themes are also guided by our church's vision for development. We plan themes and select scripture passages for the next six months, and at the start of each month, I collaborate with fellow pastors to identify key themes.
As for my personal process, I initially crafted a sermon outline along with detailed content. However, due to time constraints, I've adapted my approach. Currently, I create an outline along with simple examples, forming a draft that I can build upon.
Christian Times: What common issues do you observe with Chinese pastors' preaching, and how do you address them?
Pastor Xu: A recurring challenge is striking a balance between scriptural interpretation and practical relevance. Long-winded interpretations can dilute the message's focus. A sermon should feature a concise interpretation section and a more substantial practical application segment.
Christian Times: When considering sermon planning, which approach do you find more effective: pre-determined themes or adapting to current church circumstances?
Pastor Xu: Pre-planned themes streamline preparation without necessarily impeding the work of the Holy Spirit. Conversely, determining weekly themes based on real-time church situations can be burdensome, especially for pastors preaching on consecutive days. This approach can lead to last-minute anxiety, potentially affecting sermon delivery.
I prefer pre-planned themes. Understanding congregational needs in advance allows pastors to delve deeply into scriptural exploration and development. This enables pastors to craft messages that are well-rooted and closely aligned with the church's growth direction.
Christian Times: Do you actively seek feedback from believers regarding your sermons?
Pastor Xu: We have a tradition in our church where a "love banquet" follows the service, during which attendees participate in small group discussions. Each group shares their takeaways from the sermon and the subjects of their prayers. This provides invaluable insight into the effectiveness of my sermons. Through these informal feedback sessions, I gained an understanding of any discrepancies between my expectations and the actual impact. It forms an essential mechanism for refining my approach.
Christian Times: How do pastors harness the power of the Holy Spirit to bring transformative change through sermons?
Pastor Xu: Effective sermons hinge on two critical factors. Firstly, a precise understanding of scripture is paramount. Secondly, structuring the sermon in a clear, practical manner that resonates with believers' daily lives is essential. When preparing sermons, I streamline multiple threads of thought to enhance clarity for everyone. I focus on nurturing positive habits rather than consistently highlighting negative ones, fostering spiritual growth through positive reinforcement.
In terms of cultivating new preachers, I emphasize to them the importance of receiving grace from God's word. This foundation surpasses the pursuit of flawless delivery. During their journey, I encourage them to focus more on their own spiritual growth, rather than fixating solely on their preaching skills. I assure them that growth is gradual, and the experience of pastoring multiple times a year will contribute significantly to their development.
- Translated by Oliver Zuo
随着时代的变化，牧者的讲道也在经历不同程度的挫败与挑战。有的牧者的讲道可以让人的心被圣灵光照，引导人悔改和顺服真道。也有的牧者的讲道，信徒头脑可以理解，但内心却毫无触动，更无老我的改变与生命的更新。
近日，来自华南的一位80后牧者徐荣来（化名）牧师了对于“讲道人如何预备有恩典的讲道”话题接受了中国一网络基督教报纸基督时报的采访。
基督时报：牧师，您的讲道风格与原则是怎样？您预备讲道会有挣扎吗？
徐荣来牧师：我认为讲道有2种，一种是主题式的讲道，一种是解经式的讲道。我曾经接受过解经式的讲道训练，这种讲道要求比较高。你必须深入地了解那个经文，并从中挖掘很多东西，归纳和整理。而主题式的讲道，是拿经文来作为你主题的支撑。
基督时报：在网络名牧讲道资源泛滥的当下，会众用快餐文化的心听道，您教会的讲台事奉是否会受到挑战？
徐荣来牧师：现在的中国教会开始尝试多点聚会，教会就需要更多的讲道人，但是讲道者不够。所以有人会提出来，能不能用网上的一些讲道来代替线下的讲道。也会有信徒被某个不在国内的牧者的礼拜讲道吸引过去。
我不反对大家听名牧的讲道，因为他们确实有上帝给他们的特别的恩赐。但是我觉得本教会的牧者所讲的道是针对当下信徒所处的情况，别的教会的牧者，他们讲道的对象是针对他们的信徒。信徒必须要归属当下的教会，才能够得到真正的牧养。
牧者需要有确信，神把他放在这个教会这里，那他的羊当然要听他的声音，这是别的牧者代替不了的。
基督时报：牧师，您是怎么预备一篇讲道的？您预备一篇道的时候注意哪些方面和方法吗？
徐荣来牧师：我们教会预备讲道是有计划性的。我们教会是在年末或年初就做好教会的行事历和不同节期的讲道主题的设置。然后细化到每个主日的讲道主题和内容。譬如说有圣诞节、开学季、复活节等。然后根据我们教会的发展异象，我们就有一个统筹和调整。我们会把大半年的讲道主题跟经文确定好了，每个月开始，我会把安排的几个重点会先梳理出来，然后跟那个全教会的这些讲道人一起分享。
对我自己来说，我会先准备一篇道的骨架和细节，之前会详细地写好。现在时间精力不足，就是会写大纲和简单的例话，最后做成一篇讲稿。
基督时报：您觉得您的讲道有需要改变的地方吗？您觉得在讲道的方面中国牧者都存在着哪些共性的问题？
徐荣来牧师：我觉得，存在的共性的问题就是应用性不强，因为解经式的讲道有一个危机，就是它容易变成没有轻重的讲解，释经的比重不能够太过，所以反而是需要更加重在应用方面。 他会讲解很多的介绍、经文背景，包括介绍，甚至他其实不需要介绍这个经文所在的书信，作者和处境。
所以我觉得，尽量把这个讲道讲得更加切合实际，把解经部分和应用部分平衡分享，这个对于我来说是挑战。我也是接触其他的牧者，大多数牧者偏爱于解经式的讲道，解经部分不多，但应用性非常强，可能解释跟应用的平衡是一起需要学习的部分。
基督时报：您觉得这种计划性讲道主题的方式和牧者根据教会处境临时预备讲道稿的方式，哪个更好？
徐荣来牧师：这种计划性的讲道重在预备，它不会抹杀掉圣灵的工作。第二个是我觉得教会如果每个星期都是根据信徒们的情况确定要讲的主题，对讲道人来说都是很大的负担。有可能出现这种情况，他到星期五、星期六、星期天要讲，到了星期五、星期六他都还没有决定好一个主题，这会让讲道人感到焦虑，而且有时候准备的充分性会影响他在讲台上的发挥。
我觉得应该尽量早一点确定要讲的一个主题，尽量早地去明白会众的需要。你的讲座当中会包含着你对教会成长的方向的主导。譬如说，我们在7月就会讲宣教，每一年的 11 月份都可能会讲感恩，或者 12 月份会讲传道等。作为讲道人会更专心在经文的准备上。
基督时报：牧师，您会定期问自己的信众，对您讲道的反馈吗？
徐荣来牧师：我们教会的传统是，礼拜后有爱宴，之前会有小组分享。他就会分成几个小组，分享的内容是一个是你听道的收获，一个是你的祷告的题目，这样我可以知道我的讲道的果效如何。我们通过小组里听道的反馈，可以知道和我期待的预期差距在哪里，这是我们非正式的一个反馈机制。
基督时报：牧者的讲道如何拥有圣灵的能力，让听的人生命有改变呢，您会培养讲道人吗？
徐荣来牧师：我觉得牧者的讲道需要做好两点会让圣灵更好的做工，第一个是，准确的理解要讲的经文。第二个是，讲道的结构越简单越好，应用要接地气，跟会众的生活有关。因为有的时候我也是准备完一篇讲道，因为线索很多，怎么把它整理的简单，让大家能够听得很清楚。然后，就是一般我在讲台上讲那个认罪悔改的不多，会更多说那个积极正面地传递一些信息。我的侧重点不是不断地指出他们的坏的习惯，而是怎么样去帮助大家去建立一个好的习惯。
很多时候，我对学习讲道的弟兄姐妹们说，你们学习讲道是很辛苦的，还有很挣扎，但是你们先去得到更多神的恩典，特别是在那个圣经的神的话中会得到更多的恩典。我们让人上讲台的时候首先要求是看他的灵命，还有我不是单单关注他的讲道能力、技巧、流畅表达。重要是的他要在上帝的话语里得到恩典。他们也害怕失误和教导错误，但是我常常鼓励他们说，那你们一个月讲一次，一年也就10到12次，所以每一次你们最终讲了以后，觉得很不满意，还是压力很大，这都不要紧，慢慢成长总结经验就好。
对话 | 一华南80后牧者谈：听道资源泛滥的当下 牧者需确信你的讲道是无法被替代的
In an era of shifting dynamics, the art of delivering impactful sermons faces a spectrum of challenges. While some sermons resonate deeply, sparking spiritual transformation, others might intellectually engage but fall short of igniting the heart.
Recently, pastor Xu Ronglai (a pseudonym), a millennial pastor from South China, shed light on the intricacies of preparing sermons that convey the grace of God. In an interview with Christian Times, Pastor Xu expounded on his strategies and principles for sermon preparation, addressing the influence of renowned pastors' resources, the vitality of local pastoral care, and the delicate balance between biblical interpretation and practical application.
Christian Times: Pastor Xu, can you share your approach to sermon preparation and your guiding principles?
Pastor Xu: Certainly. I view sermons through two lenses: themed sermons and Bible interpretation sermons. My training leans towards the latter, which requires a deep dive into the scripture and distilling its essence. The themed sermon is to support the theme with relevant scripture.
Christian Times: Given the abundance of online resources from renowned pastors, do you find local preaching challenging?
Pastor Xu: Indeed, the rise of online resources raises questions about substituting offline sermons with digital content. While I recognize the value of these resources, local pastors play a crucial role in addressing specific needs and offering tailored pastoral care. While renowned pastors bring unique gifts, local pastors provide insights relevant to their congregations' contexts.
Christian Times: How do you approach sermon preparation and what aspects do you emphasize?
Pastor Xu: Certainly. Our church follows a structured approach to sermon preparation. At the beginning of each year, we establish a calendar with themes for the upcoming months. These overarching themes are then distilled into specific topics for each Sunday, aligning with events such as Christmas, the start of the school year, and Easter. These themes are also guided by our church's vision for development. We plan themes and select scripture passages for the next six months, and at the start of each month, I collaborate with fellow pastors to identify key themes.
As for my personal process, I initially crafted a sermon outline along with detailed content. However, due to time constraints, I've adapted my approach. Currently, I create an outline along with simple examples, forming a draft that I can build upon.
Christian Times: What common issues do you observe with Chinese pastors' preaching, and how do you address them?
Pastor Xu: A recurring challenge is striking a balance between scriptural interpretation and practical relevance. Long-winded interpretations can dilute the message's focus. A sermon should feature a concise interpretation section and a more substantial practical application segment.
Christian Times: When considering sermon planning, which approach do you find more effective: pre-determined themes or adapting to current church circumstances?
Pastor Xu: Pre-planned themes streamline preparation without necessarily impeding the work of the Holy Spirit. Conversely, determining weekly themes based on real-time church situations can be burdensome, especially for pastors preaching on consecutive days. This approach can lead to last-minute anxiety, potentially affecting sermon delivery.
I prefer pre-planned themes. Understanding congregational needs in advance allows pastors to delve deeply into scriptural exploration and development. This enables pastors to craft messages that are well-rooted and closely aligned with the church's growth direction.
Christian Times: Do you actively seek feedback from believers regarding your sermons?
Pastor Xu: We have a tradition in our church where a "love banquet" follows the service, during which attendees participate in small group discussions. Each group shares their takeaways from the sermon and the subjects of their prayers. This provides invaluable insight into the effectiveness of my sermons. Through these informal feedback sessions, I gained an understanding of any discrepancies between my expectations and the actual impact. It forms an essential mechanism for refining my approach.
Christian Times: How do pastors harness the power of the Holy Spirit to bring transformative change through sermons?
Pastor Xu: Effective sermons hinge on two critical factors. Firstly, a precise understanding of scripture is paramount. Secondly, structuring the sermon in a clear, practical manner that resonates with believers' daily lives is essential. When preparing sermons, I streamline multiple threads of thought to enhance clarity for everyone. I focus on nurturing positive habits rather than consistently highlighting negative ones, fostering spiritual growth through positive reinforcement.
In terms of cultivating new preachers, I emphasize to them the importance of receiving grace from God's word. This foundation surpasses the pursuit of flawless delivery. During their journey, I encourage them to focus more on their own spiritual growth, rather than fixating solely on their preaching skills. I assure them that growth is gradual, and the experience of pastoring multiple times a year will contribute significantly to their development.
- Translated by Oliver Zuo
Navigating Sermon Preparation: Strategies for Impactful Messages
