I’m struggling

[Hmoon155]

I’m really struggling right now, I’ve not been preaching very long and it seems like every time I do it’s just a struggle to get the words that I want to speak out. I continuously fumble and don’t ever speak very long as I just don’t know how to. I really don’t know how much longer I can do this

 

[The Liturgist]

I’m really struggling right now, I’ve not been preaching very long and it seems like every time I do it’s just a struggle to get the words that I want to speak out. I continuously fumble and don’t ever speak very long as I just don’t know how to. I really don’t know how much longer I can do this

First of all, do not despair. Despair is a sin; you must have faith in God through whom all things are possible. There are a number of ways you can get help with this. In order so that we can provide you with the most useful information, if you could provide us with as much information as you can about the nature of your ministry, what background you had before you began preaching, what your precise role is (for example, are you a pastor, or more specifically a presbyter, or a deacon, or a lay preacher?) and what, if any, training you may have received? Also it would help to know what you are preaching about, for example, if you are using a lectionary, if you are preaching in an expositional manner (that is to say, explaining the meaning of Bible texts) or seeking to instruct your congregation in Christian morality, or help their understanding of Christian doctrine, or some combination thereof?

And likewise, are you writing your sermons in advance and getting flustered delivering them, or are you trying to preach unrehearsed, or off the cuff / on the fly as it were (extemporaneously or spontaneously) and running out of gas, so to speak, that is to say, losing your train of thought or running out of things to say or losing your grasp of “the big picture” and having difficulty as a result?

 

[Hmoon155]

First of all, do not despair. Despair is a sin; you must have faith in God through whom all things are possible. There are a number of ways you can get help with this. In order so that we can provide you with the most useful information, if you could provide us with as much information as you can about the nature of your ministry, what background you had before you began preaching, what your precise role is (for example, are you a pastor, or more specifically a presbyter, or a deacon, or a lay preacher?) and what, if any, training you may have received? Also it would help to know what you are preaching about, for example, if you are using a lectionary, if you are preaching in an expositional manner (that is to say, explaining the meaning of Bible texts) or seeking to instruct your congregation in Christian morality, or help their understanding of Christian doctrine, or some combination thereof?

And likewise, are you writing your sermons in advance and getting flustered delivering them, or are you trying to preach unrehearsed, or off the cuff / on the fly as it were (extemporaneously or spontaneously) and running out of gas, so to speak, that is to say, losing your train of thought or running out of things to say or losing your grasp of “the big picture” and having difficulty as a result?

What do you mean by background?
I guess I would say my role is just a preacher at my church I don’t really know what name to give it.
And I would say it’s a combination of what you described, I preach whatever God puts on my heart. I right out my sermons and usually end up getting flustered and just lose what I’m trying to say.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I’m really struggling right now, I’ve not been preaching very long and it seems like every time I do it’s just a struggle to get the words that I want to speak out. I continuously fumble and don’t ever speak very long as I just don’t know how to. I really don’t know how much longer I can do this

Action really does speak louder than words. Love is your first call of action not words.
Be blessed.

 

[Paidiske]

I right out my sermons and usually end up getting flustered and just lose what I’m trying to say.

The first time I was supposed to preach, I ended up having a panic attack and having to stay home on the couch. These days, I preach several times a week. It is possible to deal with whatever's going on.

I think it would be helpful for you if you could work out what the anxiety is that's driving you getting flustered. For me, as long as my thoughts were about me - how people would perceive me, what they would think, that sort of thing - that drove my anxiety terribly. When I was able to shift my focus to, "This is my opportunity to love and help and be of benefit to the others who have come," and my thoughts were about them, what they needed, what would be helpful or inspiring or compassionate (etc) to them, then the anxiety faded into the background.

A similar shift might be helpful to you, but in order to make it you'll need to work out what the underlying concern is.

 

[public hermit]

I’m really struggling right now, I’ve not been preaching very long and it seems like every time I do it’s just a struggle to get the words that I want to speak out. I continuously fumble and don’t ever speak very long as I just don’t know how to. I really don’t know how much longer I can do this

I've given a few sermons, and I've given lectures and presentations. For a sermon, I write a manuscript around three pages (1500 to 1800 words or so, single space). If you can't say it with that amount of words, you're probably saying too much. Also, if you have to give a sermon every week, save something for next time. Lol

Most important for me, I get up early and repeatedly go over it until I say it naturally, like you and I speaking to each other. That takes effort, but it makes a world of difference. If I have to speak in public, I know what I'm saying inside and out. Otherwise, it feels awkward. I also take my manuscript with me as I speak, not because I need it but because it helps me feel comfortable.

I think it's ridiculous to expect a person to have something good to say every week. But if that's what you have to do, don't drone on and on, and practice whatever you're going to say. Practice until you're tired of saying it. The more natural it comes across because you know it, the better for those who listen, even if it's not great. Not every sermon will be great, and you should learn to accept that.

Also, if you want to avoid "blue Mondays," forget what you said as soon as you're done. It's not about you. If you've prayerfully considered what you're going to say, leave it with God. Invariably, people will hear things you didn't say. That's okay. Maybe they heard what the Spirit communicated or maybe they weren't listening. It doesn't matter. Your task is done; move on.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Jesus spent a lot of good time alone. How do you charge your spiritual battery? Have you had any training? It is always good to be open to honest feedback from others. And keep is simple. Always give a nugget people can remember.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

For me, as long as my thoughts were about me

Right, feed HIS sheep. They are starving.

 

[Hmoon155]

Jesus spent a lot of good time alone. How do you charge your spiritual battery? Have you had any training? It is always good to be open to honest feedback from others. And keep is simple. Always give a nugget people can remember.

I like to spend time alone reading and in prayer, I’m naturally an introverted person so I enjoy that. I have had no training

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I like to spend time alone reading and in prayer, I’m naturally an introverted person so I enjoy that. I have had no training

Do you know other preachers you can practice on?

I think I was pretty good until I actually got training.

No, practicing in front of others and getting their honest feedback was very helpful.

It is a skill that can be developed. But some people are naturals. I am not a wordy guy. I think people liked me because I was not very long and to the point.

I did best when my theme was simple and I did not need a script to keep me on course and jog my memory. It seemed when I used a script I was glued to it to get every word right because of the sequence of them. I like to have an outline with just a few words. I don't preach much anymore. But I would often ask my own questions. That is, what was I struggling with in the Gospel. Be real with it and share it.

Sorry about all the typos. I think I fixed them.

 

[Paidiske]

I have had no training

Well, that's probably not helping. I would approach your church leadership and enquire about the possibility of some support to do some training or equipping; it could be anything from formal academic study in theology, to joining Toastmasters.

 

[Dave G.]

I preach from bullet points and cross reference scriptures to the main theme, in my own from the heart.. I start by reading the main theme scripture. I announce the reference scriptures to be used that day. I use quotes from my reference or study bibles, also from certain commentaries. I can not read a sermon and have it come off sounding from the heart, even though I wrote it. I also give relevant testimony to the theme I'm preaching on. And it's God who has given me the theme, so I know it will strike someone at least, as I wasn't given the theme for no reason.. I'm not afraid to say that someone here today or listening online is needing to hear this, because I know in my heart it's God given. So, some old testament and new testament scripture on the theme, tie that to our world today, as an example.. You end up with more than enough to say.

I also may quote the scripture, then interject how the Amplified bible expands it. I point out certain relevant words and why they are. Fit all this together, have your material, references all marked and ready, wrap it up. Give a good story of how someone came to Christ and give an altar call. Be yourself up there ! But deliver the message the Lord placed on your heart. Suppose the message is say deliverance or breakthrough. What a theme, it's all through the bible pointing to Christ of course. You've delivered the message. If there are instruments there, now have them play lightly and close in prayer all the things that people need delivering from. Make 12-15 items we all could possible need breakthrough in. Someone will be in tears, after service go minister to them or give an encouraging word. They may even come up to you. I had that happen on a theme of fear in our lives. In fear, God/Jesus is the answer to spiritual fear, it's written all through scripture. Overcome it, walk with Him not buried in your own head. He can overcome anything ! Jesus is the conqueror.

Also, the day the Lord gives me the theme of the message to preach on, I don't make it from my bed to the coffee maker, it's on my heart all morning on. I'm walking around the house speaking portions on that theme. So I know that's the one. Once I start compiling the material, He kind of leaves me alone.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I can not read a sermon and have it come off sounding from the heart, even though I wrote it.

That is the challenge. We don't want to ramble and yet we don't want it coming out as if simply reading it. Bullet point are best if one remembers what connects them. And even better if you don't need the bullet point.

But remember, even MLK and Billy Graham used notes.

 

[tall73]

It looks like you have not been back since March 28. But perhaps you have notifications on. Or perhaps someone else might benefit.

What do you mean by background?
I guess I would say my role is just a preacher at my church I don’t really know what name to give it.
And I would say it’s a combination of what you described, I preach whatever God puts on my heart. I right out my sermons and usually end up getting flustered and just lose what I’m trying to say.

@The Liturgist asked some helpful questions. If you are preaching whatever God put on your heart, then it doesn't sound like you are in a liturgical setting.

His question about writing it out and getting flustered is helpful as well. Are you trying to memorize it?

It sounds like, if you haven't had much training, and are not in a liturgical setting, that you are likely in some type of simple Bible-oriented group of believers. What denomination, or faith tradition, if any?

My advice would be to focus on a single passage of Scripture each week. @The Liturgist mentioned "expository" preaching. Going through a biblical text allows you to

a. Know what to study--the text, its background, etc.
b. Know the outline--the text itself!

You don't need notes at all if you can understand the various elements of the text, and then relate them as you go through the text verse-by-verse.

If you begin studying this out early in the week you can then think throughout the week about application. What does this text say that I personally need to hear? Are there changes I need to make in my life, based on this text? What does my congregation needs to hear from this text? How would I best convey that?

Since you are not writing out an outline (the text is the outline), or a manuscript, there is no need to memorize. By the end of the week you know what the text is saying, what God has said through it to you, and what the Lord has laid on your heart to convey to the congregation about how to apply it. Pray, put it in the Lord's hands, and tell people in your own words what God has shown you that week.

Even if you do not belong to a liturgical tradition, it may be a good idea to integrate Old and New Testament readings into your service. You can pick ones related to the text, or on similar themes. This helps people build a familiarity with Scripture, and also is a help to you, because it aids you in thinking through how other texts relate to the one you are focused on that week.

A concept I picked up from a Lutheran homiletics book, from a more liturgical tradition, also can go along with Scripture readings--make sure that whatever text you are preaching through you have "gospel content" in each service. People should not leave your church without hearing the good news of salvation in Christ. Some texts will lend themselves to this fully. For other texts, that may go through more theological, or practical lessons, it may be helpful to bring alongside other passages that relate this gospel content.

Finally, you might consider looking at some online lectionaries. Again, even if your tradition is not liturgical (the churches I have belonged to have not been), a lectionary can give you an idea of major texts and themes that are important to the life of the church. It can help you to not preach on hobby horses every week. You should hit the major events of the life of Christ, the life of the Church, etc. regularly, and a lectionary can help with that. It will also give related Scripture readings for you.

I still agree that the Lord can place on your heart whatever message He wishes you to deliver. And if He does direct you, by all means, preach nothing other than what He says.

 

[Dave G.]

That is the challenge. We don't want to ramble and yet we don't want it coming out as if simply reading it. Bullet point are best if one remembers what connects them. And even better if you don't need the bullet point.

But remember, even MLK and Billy Graham used notes.

I'll write in a short note with my bullet point. Also references, which I announce. This may be to the Greek for confirmation, or even a commentary. It doesn't take as much as one might think to present 30 minutes worth of content. Also bullet points for closing prayer, that may or may not get used.

I'm no Billy Graham lol ! But I can deliver something useful to others. I know this by the comments I receive during fellowship. Also I feel the real reasom I'm up there is to by the end, present Jesus Christ the way the truth and the life. Never end without a call to accept Jesus.