With the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, people are discussing remarriage after divorce. Why do some clergy allow this and some not? Does this undermine the teaching that marriage is for life? Let's try and think clearly.
This coming Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. Once again, I find myself planning the sermon for Remembrance Sunday. Here is what happens on Remembrance Sunday here, and what I try to do when it comes to a sermon.
Bishop N. T. ("Tom") Wright, formerly Bishop of Durham, is a well-known biblical scholar. He has produced works that showcase his careful work, such as Jesus and the Victory of God.
A small note for Anglican clergy who read this blog.
Until very recently, when I led the "signing of the marriage registers" after a wedding, here is how I did it: 1. The groom signs 3 copies (the two marriage registers, and what will be their marriage certificate). 2. The bride signs 3 copies. 3. Witness 1, then Witness 2, sign all 3. 4. Lastly I sign both marriage registers, I sign the same box on the marriage certificate, and then I sign the declaration at the bottom of the marriage certificate.
I had a really interesting conversation this last week on the subject of what proportions of sermons here should be on which parts of Scripture. (I said that I try to aim at 1/3 each of Old Testament, Gospel, and rest of New Testament - after using some weeks for the occasional topical series).
On a Monday morning I'm always exhausted. Sundays take it out of me.
That means I often use the lion's share of Mondays to get admin done, or other things that take time but don't require the most intensive thought.
But over the years I've learnt the value of starting my preaching preparation early in the week.
(Before going further, I know: Sermon series preparation can usefully be done 6-9 months ahead, and you shouldn't first think about the passages you preach in the week before you preach them. Take that as read).
I cannot grow plants.
It's true that I'm not very good at gardening, or even at caring for house plants. But that's not what I mean. Even if I do remember to water them, put them in the right place, prune them, leave them alone when they need it - I can't make them grow. I cannot turn my care of the plant into cellulose and chlorophyll.
Which is also one of the most humbling, frustrating and relieving aspects of pastoral ministry.
I love this quotation from Abraham Kuyper, quoted by Pastor Doug Wilson.
"Therefore, a long exposition of facts or propositions with a short application is in conflict with the nature of the sermon. The application must not be the dinghy behind the ship. Rather, the purpose of the sermon is really in the application. The whole service of the Word centers on the edification and building up of the congregation. The service is not like a brick factory where the bricks are baked and then piled up for would-be buyers to come and pick them up; the service is more like using the bricks that have been prepared for building" (Kuyper, Our Worship, p. 201).
What's going on when someone preaches?
How does God's word preached relate to God's word written?
How does the sermon relate to the other parts of a church service?
How does preaching relate to / differ from the other contexts and events in which we hear God's word?
How do the words of the preacher relate to the words of God?
Where does the Spirit fit into preaching?
OK...
I'm delighted to commend to readers of this blog an upcoming day conference in North London. It is organised by Emmanuel Church in North London, where my friend Steve Jeffery is the minister. One of the things I have always appreciated about Emmanuel is the way they enjoy putting events on that will serve the wider church.
Here's some of the blurb from their website.
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