The Message and the Man:: Some Essentials of Effective PreachingJackson, J. Dodd (James Dodd)
Religion
The Message and the Man:: Some Essentials of Effective Preaching
Jackson, J. Dodd (James Dodd)
Preaching
Another thing to be remembered is, that much depends upon the order and
arrangement of a sermon whether it is "easy to follow" or not. We are
old-fashioned enough to believe rather strongly in the method according
to which the preacher divided his subject into "heads." We had heard
that this method was falling into disuse, but have been surprised
during recent months to discover how many of the more acceptable and
successful preachers still find it the most effective plan. Of course
there are those who vote the method out of date; and we have listened
to the preaching of some who hold this view and act upon it. Our
experience teaches us that in respect of clearness and, perhaps
especially, of memorability, the method of distinct division has many
advantages. It is easier to the preacher; _much_ easier to the hearer.
Only, let it be remembered that an "introduction" should introduce;
that "divisions" should divide, and sub-divisions sub-divide. Needless
and trifling "majors" or "minors" are irritating and confusing.
"Firstly," "Secondly," "Thirdly," and--under very special
circumstances--even "Fourthly" may contribute to the making of the dark
places plain, but the days have long since passed away in which
"Ninthly" and "Tenthly" could be borne; though there have actually been
such days. We have read, or tried to read, discourses whose major
divisions ran to "eighteenthly" with minor divisions grouped under each
like companies in a regiment. People came to preaching early in those
days and stayed late. Can it be one result of their experiences that
we, their posterity, have inherited that strange weariness which so
frequently attacks us as "One word more" is announced from the sacred
desk?
Simplicity in language, and in putting things; as much repetition as
may be needed; great care not to assume more knowledge in the hearer
than he possesses; much allowance for the fact that the minds addressed
may not be trained in the theme under discussion, and that there is a
wide difference between the catching of an idea which waits upon a
printed page and of an idea in flight of spoken discourse; clear and
memorable arrangement of the whole address--all these concessions must
be made if men are to be sent away from the sanctuary carrying with
them any considerable part of the provision with which the preacher
climbed the pulpit stair. And after all these concessions have been
allowed the _great_ effort to make things plain has yet to be begun!
This _great effort_ for the attainment of transparency will be made, we
need hardly say, along two lines, the line of illustration and the line
of application. Possibly it may be held by some that these two lines
are really one.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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