Preparation of the Preacher

Introduction
“Practice what you preach” has become an adage so overused that it is in danger of becoming a cliché. Yet now more than ever, preachers need to recognize the importance of walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Putting one’s feet where one’s mouth is, the preacher becomes a genuine representative of Christ and a role model for the congregation. When the preacher’s lifestyle and comportment corresponds with the substantive content of sermons, the preacher acts with integrity and thereby ensures the trust of the community. In Preaching That Changes Lives, Fabarez (2002) discusses the ways preachers change lives, starting with their own. Vines & Shaddix (1999) dedicate an entire section of Power in the Pulpit to how preachers can develop their bodies and their minds, as well as their souls. Likewise, Lloyd-Jones (2011) claims that integrity needs to be reintroduced to the role and function of the preacher. Preachers must embody the principles of Christian living and Christian virtues to accomplish the goals of their mission.
The Importance of Humility
The process of self-preparation for a preacher is ongoing. Not a one-time learning experience, becoming a preacher is instead a matter of lifetime personal spiritual, social, and psychological development. The preacher continually engages in an honest process of self-reflection, accomplished by deep meditations on scripture and how scripture relates to one’s own life, soliciting and listening to advice from others, and also reflecting back on one’s own sermons. These and related processes of self-reflection encourage self-awareness through the act of humility, a central tenet of Jesus’s teaching. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love,” (Ephesians 4:2). If a preacher is to put into practice and embody Biblical teachings, he must remain “completely humble and gentle,” able and willing to make necessary changes to lifestyle and behavior to better reflect the principles being promulgated. Pride is the opposite of humility. As Fabarez (2002) points out, “Jesus reveals what may be the single most important insight into why some preachers don’t practice what they preach. It is pride,” (p. 27). Preparing to preach means putting aside pride and recognizing that while the word of God is infallible, the preacher is not.
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
“We are imperfect beings,” and to recognize such is an important part of cultivating humility (Vines & Shaddix, 1999, p. 106). When considering the importance of lifestyle and behavior to preaching, the preacher also need to retain the humility needed to recognize their own sin and also be willing to take action to change. After all, the preacher aims to deliver life-changing sermons; those same sermons need to change the preacher’s life too. The preacher can aim for perfection as an idealized goal but perfection is neither possible nor expected of a preacher; command of the Bible is, and the preacher’s primary objective is to deliver the Word of God in a serious and expository manner.
When preparing to preach, it is also important to concentrate far more on the content and meaning of a sermon than on some imaginary idea of perfect delivery. Lloyd-Jones (2011) warns preachers to be far less concerned about their showmanship, or “ceremonial form and ritual” and more concerned about accuracy and Biblical truths (p. 24). Likewise, Vines & Shaddix (1999) show how the preacher’s sermon is not an informal conversation but a formal discourse. Even though preaching is about the pure, objective delivery of God’s word in the form of an expository sermon, though, the preacher nevertheless needs to put the word of God into direct action. There are theological and practical reasons for why the preacher should cultivate the right state of mind, body, and soul.
Theological Bases for a Preacher’s Integrity
Integrity is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. Jesus preached extensively on integrity, as he exposed hypocrisy in the Pharisees. Matthew 23 remains the definitive passage in scripture showcasing the theological imperative for practicing what one preaches. Jesus recognize and then exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, something that actually inspired many of his own sermons and also garnered his initial following. A preacher can learn from this by exposing hypocrisy, but also not mistaking the message for the messenger. It was not that Jesus objected to the content of the Pharisees’ instruction, but that the Pharisees were hypocritical. They were preaching the law while disobeying the law. Jesus offered a new framework for moral integrity, subverting the hypocrisy of the old order in order to deliver a new moral code based on truth and justice.
Fabarez (2002) quite cleverly points to the lesser-known book of Ezra to substantiate the theological underpinnings of the preparation of the preacher. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel,” (Ezra 7:10). The word “observance” is the keyword here; the preacher is not just a mouthpiece, but an exemplar. A preacher is ethically obliged to observe the word of God.
Using the Sermon for Personal Guidance
While many earnest preachers may come to believe their sermons are for other people, the wise and humble preacher dedicated to lifelong learning understands that the sermon exists as much for him as for the congregation. When preparing a sermon, a preacher operates on several different levels at once. First, the preacher applies the principle of faith towards the spiritual preparation that welcomes the Holy Spirit—the anointing that can only come from faith and grace (Lloyd-Jones, 2011). Simultaneously, the preacher develops a sermon on the intellectual level. Based on what the preacher already knows of scripture, and of the preacher’s training and practice in Biblical scholarship, the sermon becomes the clear, academic, expository body that is transmitted to the congregation using the medium of language. Finally, the preacher functions on the emotional level while preparing the sermon. Reflecting on universal human experiences, the pain and suffering of the world or of individuals in the community, or on the simple existence of sin and distance from God, the preacher interjects the heartfelt power that reaches individuals in the audience and thereby has the potential to transform lives. These mutually reinforcing levels of sermon preparation are personally transformative for the preacher, even before they are communicated and conveyed to the congregation. If the sermon does not affect the preacher first, then it may need to be revised and revitalized until it makes that meaningful impression. The preacher needs to internalize the message of the sermon as part of his work.
Preachers can use their sermons—as well as the sermons of others—to learn about ways to improve or to better represent Christ on earth. To reflect on the sermon is to practice humility, and to build one’s strength of character. “The importance of submitting yourself to the principles you teach cannot be overstated,” (Fabarez, 2002, p. 27). Reflecting on the sermon is a different act than the act of self-reflection; it is reflecting on the Bible to develop dependence on God. Self-reflection is important, too. When preparing sermons, the preacher can take advantage of the opportunity for self-reflection—looking in the mirror to discern ways that one can become a better person as well as a better preacher.
Sermon preparation begins and ends with scripture always, but from there the preacher can take the opportunity to reflect not just on the hermeneutics of textural correspondences but also on the self-conscious application of scripture to daily life. Some of these acts of self-reflection take place on the pulpit and other times the preacher needs to reflect alone. Albeit outside of the context of purely expository sermons, an earnest self-reflection the preacher can offer the congregation personal anecdotes that illustrate and humanize the core concepts. By showing the congregation how the biblical teaching can be applied to one’s daily life, the preacher helps to cultivate the type of humility and honesty required for effective ministry. After all, the goal of the sermon is to invoke change in the world. That change begins squarely with the self. Therefore, the preacher should be prepared to apply the principles of the sermon to his own life and take the messages to heart. How can a preacher expect members of the congregation to react and respond to scripture if he has not done the same?
The Importance of Credibility
The somewhat sarcastic saying, “Do what I say, not what I do,” may work for the lackadaisical parent, but not for the preacher. Jesus offers the strongest bit of advice for the most astute of Christians: “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach,” (Matthew 23:3). To a degree, members of a congregation understand that the substantive content of a sermon is the word of God, and that what the preacher does in his personal life is less important. The preacher makes a grave error assuming that his personal life and comportment do not have a bearing on the quality of the sermon or its effect on the community.
For one, not all members of the congregation can be as wise and perceptive as to recognize the difference between a preacher’s words and deeds. Especially for the young and impressionable members of the congregation, actions speak much louder than words. Adults can easily ignore, tolerate, or forgive transgressions committed by a preacher who exhibits faults and failings. Young people often pierce right through the thin veneer of a preacher pretending to be that which he is not. Preachers working with a substantial young population need to remain especially vigilant about walking the walk.
It nevertheless remains important for a preacher to continue preaching even while working to change behavior or lifestyle; it is better to spread the good news in an ongoing basis but still work hard to amend one’s sins than it is to refrain from preaching at all. Being aware, humble, and willing to change are the goals. A preacher needs to maintain good humor about his own foibles to properly prepare the heart and mind to receive grace. Besides, the goal in all expository preaching is “to reduce the subjective element—the human element—as much as possible during the interpretation process,” (Vines & Shaddix, 1999, p. 106). The content of the sermon is not about the preacher but about Christ. Still, a preacher who acts with integrity will have far greater influence and impact on those who listen.
The Theological Foundation of Self-Discipline
One of the practical reasons why preachers need to prepare their bodies, minds, and souls is that their sermons are designed to bring the word of God to the community. In order to do so, the preacher is entrusted with a great responsibility: to be truthful in sermon delivery, to study the Bible thoroughly. A preacher has a special role in the community that is distinct from every other believer; he effectively becomes the word of God at the pulpit. As such, the preacher “must discipline himself to develop certain healthy habits,” (Vines & Shaddix, 1999, p. 62). Self-discipline yields pragmatic results for a healthy body and mind. However, self-discipline is also important to the preacher because of its Biblical foundation. “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh,” (Romans 13:14). The preacher becomes the word of God by being clothed in the Lord, and thereby shows the congregation how to resist temptation.
Self-discipline means both resisting the temptations of the flesh, and also developing healthy habits of body and mind. Altogether, the healthy habits of body and mind comprise the preacher’s lifestyle choices. There is no one “right” lifestyle for a preacher, any more than there is a “right” body type or personality. However, there are lifestyle factors more conducive to the preacher’s integrity and effectiveness on the pulpit. Daily prayer and Bible study are critical, but so too are dietary and exercise habits that promote physical health. “The Bible teaches the sacredness of the body...the better we care for our bodies, the better we will be able to serve our Lord” (Vines & Shaddix, 1999, p. 78). Preachers will expound on Biblical verses like 1 Corinthians 6:20: to “honor God with your bodies.” Human bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,” (1 Corinthians 6:19). To receive the grace of God, one’s mind and body must be prepared.
Lifestyle and Daily Routine
A lifestyle factor like exercise or prayer is not a one-time affair. To be defined as “lifestyle,” the action needs to occur regularly, on a daily basis. The preparation of the preacher is ongoing because it depends on daily renewal of devotion to God through prayer, discipline, and the intentional development of devotional habits. Those habits need to be regimented, so that they become almost instinctual. Fabarez (2002) recommends the rearrangement of one’s “preliminary routine” in order to “gain the strength, perspective, and grace,” through which prayerful power and preaching come (p. 78). Grace should not be mistaken for a laissez-faire attitude toward lifestyle. On the contrary, grace flows from a disciplined mind, which is liberated from attachment to the fleeting desires of the body. The preacher would therefore do well to refrain from excesses in any area: including excess spending, excess eating, or excess frivolity. The daily schedule should include time for leisure and family but focus on the activities that bring one closer to God.
When pursuing the anointing, the path need not be one of isolation from the community, either. A preacher’s daily lifestyle and routine is grounded in God, devoted to prayer and to ministry. However, ministry never stops. There is no barrier between the pulpit and one’s private and personal life. The preacher needs to remain always accessible to the congregation, available to speak to people in need, to act compassionately and caring for others (Fabarez, 2002, p. 192). To remain overly detached signals arrogance, as if the preacher is somehow better than the congregation. Being open and available is part of the preparation of the heart: what the preacher needs to do to become more effective (Vines & Shaddix, 1999). Finally, the preacher remembers that the mundane aspects of routine and daily life are subservient to faith.
Conclusion
Preaching is a sacred duty and a sacred calling that connects one to God and to the community. Goals of preaching include delivering the word of God to those who have yet to hear it, and to entrench the word of God in believers. To accurately, faithfully, and effectively transmit the word of God to a congregation, the preacher needs to become an exemplar and a role model. Preparing expository sermons, the preacher is invited to use the opportunity for honest self-reflection and self-improvement to bring himself and his audience closer to God. The preacher is a vessel for transmitting the truth, and as such must prepare body, mind, and soul for the job.







References

Bible: NIV
Fabarez, M. (2002). Preaching that changes lives. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson
Lloyd-Jones, M. (2011). Preaching & preachers: 40th anniversary edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Vines, J. & Shaddix, J. (1999). Power in the pulpit: How to prepare and deliver expository sermons. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers