I remember my mandatory, required, no M-Div if I don't take 'preaching class' at seminary. I wasn't dragged kicking and screaming down the hall to the class, but I felt that way. I felt the same about Greek and Hebrew, but the preaching class turned out to be a wonderful experience. No, I did not suddenly discover I was a gifted preacher, in fact, Chuck Conniry, now Dean and Vice-President of George Fox Evangelical Seminary, allowed me to turn in a DVD of my sermon instead of standing before my brilliant peers and making a fool of myself. Most alumni will tell you George Fox Evangelical Seminary is long on grace and mercy.
I was amazed at the preaching I heard in that class. One by one my classmates took their turn up front preaching their sermon. When I worked for Kmart Lily and I were transferred often so we've been to many- many churches, but I'd never heard the relevant messages I heard in that class. I actually looked forward to going to that class to hear my classmates preach! No subject was off limits. The messages were not always as polished as what I usually heard at church, but certainly grittier and truer to life.
Do you know how peanut butter tends to stay with you long after you've finished your sandwich? Sometimes I would still be thinking about what I'd heard in that class a week or two later. Don't you think preaching should challenge us to re-think, re-examine and re-evaluate our relationship with God and others? Were we called to be ears who only want to be tickled or are all of us called to be feet and hands and an extension of God's life? The point is not to condemn, but to convict, so we can make a difference by having a healthier relationship with God and others. Look at all the pain and suffering that surrounds us. How can we leave church feeling good about ourselves?
I remember asking Chuck if that was his best preaching class. He said all his preaching classes had been good. I asked why I don't hear substance heavy messages like those in church. He gave me a smile I took to mean I should know the answer to my own question.
In a classroom setting when the professor's attitude is 'bring it on' you have nothing to lose. In a church you could jeopardize your job, friends and ultimately your family. Church folks, just like folks who don't go to church, don't want to be told to drop the crap, repent and do what's right. Just because you found it doesn't mean it's yours, you can bend over and pick up that trash, it doesn't matter what she says, does or how she makes you feel you're married so act like it. Most of us could make a lengthy list of what we know we shouldn't do, but how often do we call ourselves on the carpet? Being accountable to yourself means you are not accountable.
Jesus talked about the 'whomever' who confess their love for Christ not merely by their words, but by everything they do. How can we ever get to praxis (practice) if we won't allow ourselves to be challenged and held accountable?
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