Over the 5 & 1/2 years I've been preaching almost weekly and the few years prior where I did it sporadically, I'd like to think I've gotten better at it. At least I hope I have! What I am certain of is that regardless of whether or not my preaching has improved, it has certainly changed. I have learned from many different teachers all kinds of things (and I still do) along the way. But in this short series of posts I am going to point out a few preachers that have caused major shifts in the way I preach and a few specific things I learned from each of them that pushed me along in a new/expanded direction.
#1 Bob Coy of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. I came to Christ (at least in a meaningul way) at Calvary Fort Lauderdale, I served there for many years, and I spent three years there on staff. So I guess it's pretty obvious that Bob would be a major influence on me. Bob is a uniquely gifted communicator with a very unique style. He is a master at relating to EVERYBODY in the crowd and making people feel he is speaking just to them. He uses humor to breaks down walls of resistance, and it is very effective because it isn't canned; it just comes natural to him. He also has a great way of blending the message so that there are hooks for the seeker and plenty of meat for the seasoned believer. Top notch all around.
Shifts he made in my preaching:
- To start preaching in the 1st place -watching how God used this man with no formal training inspired me that God can use anyone who has a willing heart & hands (& mouth).
- To be myself -I almost wrote, to be humorous, but that's not quite right because it doesn't work if it isn't genuine. Bob has a great sense of humor and he uses that onstage and off. The lesson is be yourself...fortunately, I think I'm pretty funny too! :)
- To write messages that can reach seekers and edify believers simultaneously (tricky and takes a little extra work, but well worth it when you pull if off).
- To teach expositionally aplicationally -I know that sounds funny, but I learned that it is important to teach through books of the Bible, but to have each message be sufficiently self-contained so that a 1st-time guest could come in and still understand and get something out of it.
- To have guts - Avoidance of certain topics is always a temptation for preachers, but Bob taught me to teach the whole counsel of God's word -even when you'd rather shy away from controversy.
- To have a heart -teach the hard stuff, but do so with grace, compassion & sensitivity.
- Always bring your A-game -It was always clear to me that Bob put everything he had into the delivery of his messages. I may not be the best preacher, but his example inspires me to push myself to do the very best I possibly can with the study, preparation & delivery of God's word (God and the people who are listening deserve nothing less).
Thank you Pastor Bob for all you taught me (behind the pulpit and behind the scenes)!
Tomorrow: Andy Stanley
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