However, it actually started me thinking about what preaching is all about and whether or not we're supposed to enjoy it at all. In all honesty the question might be better framed: "How did you find X's preaching?" then I could employ all manner of adjectives to it; passionate, inspirational, informed, intelligent, witty, patronising, derivative, wishy-washy, authoritative... and so the list goes on. But is my opinion of it all that important? Do preacher's measure the success of a sermon by whether or not people enjoyed it? By the amount of amens and smiling faces. Personally, I don't listen to sermons for their entertainment value but I recognise that they can and do entertain. Sermons are at worst an affirming message that helps one keep that stiff upper lip and at best an attempt to convey someone's excitement about God to some eager listeners. But here's the difference. I am racking my brain to remember even one of the three points our mutual friend made in the preach I was asked about, what I do remember is the passion, the honesty and the heartfelt concern of the guy who preached it and these qualities continue to pour out of him whether he's preaching or not. Did I enjoy it? I don't even remember but I really really like the guy who delivered it and he's welcome to get involved in my life. I like to read C.S. Lewis but C.S. Lewis never gave me a hug when I felt unhuggable.
So my final answer? Did I enjoy the preaching? Sure, but I'm enjoying getting to know the guy behind it a lot more.
Mair the moarra...
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