A pastor who has been theologically trained with years of experience in delivering sermons shared guidance on "the effective preparation of a gracious sermon."
The Christian Times, an online Christian newspaper in China, recently conducted an interview with the middle-aged pastor Chen Zhien (a pseudonym) from East China.
Christian Times: What are the basic principles of being a qualified preacher?
Pastor Chen Zhien: Preaching transcends mere instances of delivering one or two sermons; it constitutes an ongoing ministry intertwined with pastoral care. Pastors have the potential to equip fellow brothers and sisters with a framework for comprehending the Bible, thereby ensuring enduring benefits from sustained Bible study and devotionals.
Moreover, the pastor's unwavering convictions in God's word is intertwined with the caliber of their preaching. Any hesitations or uncertainties on the pastor's part become palpable to the listeners. Concurrently, the pastor must personally integrate the teachings into their own life, as this transforms scriptural wisdom into experiential insights.
When preaching, pastors must be cognizant of a concept termed the "key sentence." Regardless of whether the sermon adopts a point-by-point, narrative, or didactic approach, each segment should encompass a central focal sentence. Reiterating this sentence reinforces retention among the congregation.
However, a significant number of preachers appear to lack a coherent direction in their delivery, thereby failing to guide the congregation purposefully. Essentially, a sermon steers the congregation on an intellectual journey from point A to point B. The pastor should be attuned to the congregation's present state (point A) and the destination they are guiding them toward (point B). Without a defined trajectory, the congregation might inadvertently stray to points C, D, or E—resulting in a diminished grasp of the sermon's essence. Hence, preachers must cultivate the ability to center their discourse around a clearly defined objective.
Christian Times: Could you expound on your sermon preparation process?
Pastor Chen Zhien: In my preparation routine, once I've solidified my groundwork, I engage in a self-dialogue of the sermon at least once.
Reiteration forms a pivotal aspect of my preparation. Repeatedly delivering the same sermon facilitates the identification of unclear sections and reinforces the potency of expressions. This iterative process extends to encompass even the pre-sermon prayer. Through multiple rehearsals, the sermon will often be more powerful.
Christian Times: During the year, will you arrange your sermons in advance, or do you tend to make a temporary choice according to each situation?
Pastor Chen Zhien: When a planned approach is undertaken, I will set a theme for each month. For instance, March could be devoted to contemplation of Christ's sufferings, prompting exploration of how we should conceptualize the sufferings borne by Jesus Christ on our behalf. Subsequent messages during March would align with this thematic trajectory.
April, designated the "Holy Spirit Month," prompts congregants toward reliance upon the Holy Spirit and how to be filled by the Spirit. May, recognized as "Family Month," directs attention to how to be a good parent.
Nevertheless, the pastor should also remain adaptable. For instance, if a group of direct marketers visits the church seeking clients, I seize the opportunity to address issues of greed. Indeed, an individual arriving at the church with a covetous mindset has, in that moment, deviated from the path of faith. Genuine faith is characterized by a pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness, culminating in blessings.
Christian times: Beyond Sunday sermons, how do you train preachers within your pastoral ministry?
Pastor Chen Zhien: I have launched a sermon program, which will be held once a month. When preachers read the Bible and prepare a sermon, it will make them think about what this passage is saying. Then they need to know what it means to today’s believers and finally lead them to take action through the teachings in certain scriptures. Two months are set aside for them to give this kind of exegesis sermon.
I've initiated a sermon program held on a monthly basis. As preachers engage with biblical texts and prepare sermons, they are encouraged to dissect the passage's core message. Subsequently, they must ascertain the relevance of this message for contemporary believers and culminate by spurring actionable responses rooted in scriptural teachings. This process involves a two-month interval dedicated to delivering exegetical sermons of this nature.
Christian Times: What is your assessment of the challenges observed in sermon preparation within Chinese churches?
Pastor Chen Zhien: Present-day Protestantism places considerable emphasis on sermon delivery, yet a distorted mindset prevails. For instance, after a service, congregants might experience a sense of spiritual enrichment, leading them to offer gratitude in their comfort. However, the primary role of the church is to offer worship unto God. Neglecting this fundamental aspect and fixating solely on sermons can inadvertently exacerbate the challenge. Congregants might express dissatisfaction with particular speakers, ultimately directing their focus away from God and toward the speakers.
In truth, sermons should guide believers to comprehend that Sunday worship extends beyond personal gain. When an individual's motivation revolves around personal acquisition, egocentrism and arrogance tend to thrive. Genuine worship elicits a simultaneous sense of awe and relief in the presence of God. Fear and humility yield transformative effects on one's existence.
Approaching the church with a consumerist mentality hinders humility and reverence, even preventing one to perceive God's presence from the pulpit.
- Translated by Charlie Li
一个有着多年讲道事奉且受过神学装备的牧师分享了“牧者该如何预备一篇有恩典的讲道”。
近日，一位来自华东的80后牧者陈志恩（化名）接受了中国一网络基督教报纸基督时报的采访。
基督时报：成为一个合格的讲道人的基本原则是什么？
陈志恩牧师：讲道事奉不只是讲一篇两篇道，而是持续性的事奉，它本身是和牧养联合在一起的。牧者可以帮助弟兄姊妹建立一套理解圣经的方法，让他们在以后的读经和灵修中得到长久的益处。
另外一方面，牧者对上帝话语的确信程度也关系到讲道的质量。如果他对话语带着疑惑，这也会让听道者感受到。同时，牧者需要自己有生命，因为把文字之道转成言说之道，必须要有生命之道在里面。
牧者讲道的时候需要学习一个概念叫做焦点句。 就是你无论是分点式的讲章、叙事体的讲章，还是教育性讲章，每个讲章要有一个焦点句。你反复地讲，最后结束的那一刻大家能够记住这句话。
但好多的讲道员他是在说话的时候是没有目的性的，他不知道带领会众要去的目的地是哪里。牧者分享一篇道，其实就是带领会众进行一场思想的旅程，从A 点到 B 点。牧者要知道大家当下的情况（A 点）是什么，并且要知道你带他们去的目的地（ B点）。如果你不知道要去哪里，那大家可能去了 C点、 D 点、 E点。也就是把握不住你的证道。讲道人需要学会聚焦你的讲道目的地。
基督时报：您会如何预备一场讲道呢？
陈志恩牧师：我讲道有一个习惯，就是如果预备好了，我会先给自己至少讲一遍。
也会多次地、反复地去宣讲。因为我能够在宣讲当中感受到中间哪些环节，它的连接不清晰，它的表达没有力度。那我就可以做出一些调整,甚至把讲道前的祷告自己也先操练一下往往是多次预备的信息会更有力度。
基督时报：一年当中，您的讲道会有提前的安排？还是根据处境来临时选择呢？
陈志恩牧师：讲台规划的话，我会每一个月定一个主题。比如三月是忆苦月，我会把焦点放在怎么样去思想耶稣基督为我们所承担的苦难，所以四个礼拜的信息都比较倾向于那一方面。
那四月被称为圣灵月，那我一般就会在这一个月引导大家依靠圣灵，如何被圣灵充满。五月被定为家庭月，那就聚焦在怎么样做一位合适的父亲，合适的母亲。
当然牧者也可以有一些随机应变。比如之前，在牧养当中，一些直销人员来教会大肆宣传。那我就在中间特别的分享，比如防备贪婪的反噬。其实当一个人带着贪婪的心来到教会的时候，那一刻他已经失去了信仰。真正的信仰是把寻求上帝的国和义作为目的，把祝福作为结果。
基督时报：现在您除了主日礼拜的讲道以外，在您平时的牧养当中您怎么去培养讲道人呢？
陈志恩牧师：我最近推动了一个叫做讲道研习，一个月会举办一次。当讲道人读圣经预备一篇讲道，会让他们思考这段经文它在说什么。然后这段经文对今天的弟兄姊妹意味着什么，最后透过这段经文让弟兄姊妹有什么行动。两个月的时间让他们进行这种释经式讲道。
我们同时也会采用在四页讲章法的训练。第一页谈到圣经当中发生的难处，第二页是今天我们的生活当中所面临的难处.第三页是神在圣经当中对那个难处的解决，找到那个拐角点,第四页就是神也在我们今天的难处当中在为我们做工。还有其他的形式，比如教育式讲章，还有经刻式讲章以及叙事体讲章等.让大家在两三个月当中去熟悉一种讲道方式。
基督时报：您觉得，在中国教会的讲台上有哪些乱象？
陈志恩牧师：今天新教着重于讲道，但是有个错误的信仰状态。比如，有会众礼拜后，觉得得到了恩典，就感谢神，因为他听着很舒服。但是教会的第一个功能就是向神献上敬拜。教会如果忽略了向神献上敬拜，再多的信息只能够让会众越来越刁钻。会众会说这个讲员不行，那个讲员好，最后大家变成了只能够仰望人。
其实教会的讲道在于先让信徒明白主日敬拜不是为了获得。如果大家都是为了获得，他们会越来越自私高傲。当我们献上敬拜的那一刻，会发现在上帝面前已经畏惧了，释怀了。畏惧和谦卑在我们的生活中产生其它的影响。
如果一个人来了教会，站在一个索取者的角度，那他很难降卑、敬畏，甚至在讲台上看不到上帝的同在。
一华东牧者分享：一场讲道是一场思想的旅程 牧者需清楚起点和终点
A pastor who has been theologically trained with years of experience in delivering sermons shared guidance on "the effective preparation of a gracious sermon."
The Christian Times, an online Christian newspaper in China, recently conducted an interview with the middle-aged pastor Chen Zhien (a pseudonym) from East China.
Christian Times: What are the basic principles of being a qualified preacher?
Pastor Chen Zhien: Preaching transcends mere instances of delivering one or two sermons; it constitutes an ongoing ministry intertwined with pastoral care. Pastors have the potential to equip fellow brothers and sisters with a framework for comprehending the Bible, thereby ensuring enduring benefits from sustained Bible study and devotionals.
Moreover, the pastor's unwavering convictions in God's word is intertwined with the caliber of their preaching. Any hesitations or uncertainties on the pastor's part become palpable to the listeners. Concurrently, the pastor must personally integrate the teachings into their own life, as this transforms scriptural wisdom into experiential insights.
When preaching, pastors must be cognizant of a concept termed the "key sentence." Regardless of whether the sermon adopts a point-by-point, narrative, or didactic approach, each segment should encompass a central focal sentence. Reiterating this sentence reinforces retention among the congregation.
However, a significant number of preachers appear to lack a coherent direction in their delivery, thereby failing to guide the congregation purposefully. Essentially, a sermon steers the congregation on an intellectual journey from point A to point B. The pastor should be attuned to the congregation's present state (point A) and the destination they are guiding them toward (point B). Without a defined trajectory, the congregation might inadvertently stray to points C, D, or E—resulting in a diminished grasp of the sermon's essence. Hence, preachers must cultivate the ability to center their discourse around a clearly defined objective.
Christian Times: Could you expound on your sermon preparation process?
Pastor Chen Zhien: In my preparation routine, once I've solidified my groundwork, I engage in a self-dialogue of the sermon at least once.
Reiteration forms a pivotal aspect of my preparation. Repeatedly delivering the same sermon facilitates the identification of unclear sections and reinforces the potency of expressions. This iterative process extends to encompass even the pre-sermon prayer. Through multiple rehearsals, the sermon will often be more powerful.
Christian Times: During the year, will you arrange your sermons in advance, or do you tend to make a temporary choice according to each situation?
Pastor Chen Zhien: When a planned approach is undertaken, I will set a theme for each month. For instance, March could be devoted to contemplation of Christ's sufferings, prompting exploration of how we should conceptualize the sufferings borne by Jesus Christ on our behalf. Subsequent messages during March would align with this thematic trajectory.
April, designated the "Holy Spirit Month," prompts congregants toward reliance upon the Holy Spirit and how to be filled by the Spirit. May, recognized as "Family Month," directs attention to how to be a good parent.
Nevertheless, the pastor should also remain adaptable. For instance, if a group of direct marketers visits the church seeking clients, I seize the opportunity to address issues of greed. Indeed, an individual arriving at the church with a covetous mindset has, in that moment, deviated from the path of faith. Genuine faith is characterized by a pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness, culminating in blessings.
Christian times: Beyond Sunday sermons, how do you train preachers within your pastoral ministry?
Pastor Chen Zhien: I have launched a sermon program, which will be held once a month. When preachers read the Bible and prepare a sermon, it will make them think about what this passage is saying. Then they need to know what it means to today’s believers and finally lead them to take action through the teachings in certain scriptures. Two months are set aside for them to give this kind of exegesis sermon.
I've initiated a sermon program held on a monthly basis. As preachers engage with biblical texts and prepare sermons, they are encouraged to dissect the passage's core message. Subsequently, they must ascertain the relevance of this message for contemporary believers and culminate by spurring actionable responses rooted in scriptural teachings. This process involves a two-month interval dedicated to delivering exegetical sermons of this nature.
Christian Times: What is your assessment of the challenges observed in sermon preparation within Chinese churches?
Pastor Chen Zhien: Present-day Protestantism places considerable emphasis on sermon delivery, yet a distorted mindset prevails. For instance, after a service, congregants might experience a sense of spiritual enrichment, leading them to offer gratitude in their comfort. However, the primary role of the church is to offer worship unto God. Neglecting this fundamental aspect and fixating solely on sermons can inadvertently exacerbate the challenge. Congregants might express dissatisfaction with particular speakers, ultimately directing their focus away from God and toward the speakers.
In truth, sermons should guide believers to comprehend that Sunday worship extends beyond personal gain. When an individual's motivation revolves around personal acquisition, egocentrism and arrogance tend to thrive. Genuine worship elicits a simultaneous sense of awe and relief in the presence of God. Fear and humility yield transformative effects on one's existence.
Approaching the church with a consumerist mentality hinders humility and reverence, even preventing one to perceive God's presence from the pulpit.
- Translated by Charlie Li
Pastor from East China: Trained Preachers Provide Key Sentences in Sermons
