Why preaching works

An African student came to the United States to get a Masters degree at an American seminary. While there, he came to love his theology professor. So later, when the African pastor had returned home, it put him in a bind. The professor wanted to come to visit his African student. This pastor knew what would happen when the theology professor came. His congregation would want to hear this great theologian and the theology professor would want to preach. The problem was that the theology professor was just that, a theology professor, and he was given to difficult to follow talks on dense theological subjects.

There was no way around it. The professor came to Africa and while there he preached. That Sunday, the professor took to the pulpit and his former student stood nearby to translate for the Swahili speaking congregation. The professor began, “There are two great Epistemological theories in the world today.” The African pastor paused just a beat and translated, “Let me tell you about my friend, Jesus.” And so the sermon went. The professor expounded his views on Epistemology and the African pastor told the congregation about his friend Jesus. All agreed it was an amazing sermon.

That is why preaching works. Preachers do their best to pray through the scripture and prepare to feed their flock from God’s word. Then despite our best efforts, we take to the pulpit and in our own ways we blow it. In essence we say, “There are two great epistemological views in the world today.” The only reason it works is that God handles the translation and the Holy Spirit whispers in your ear, ‘Let me tell you about my friend, Jesus.”

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor +

Note: This post is adapted from a sermon in our archives, A Poor Substitute for The Good Shepherd