On Being Local Preachers' Tutor
I thought I would reflect on being Local Preachers Tutor for the last three years or so. Rather than tell stories about preachers I have known (!), I thought I would raise an issue all preachers grapple with. So, this is an article for preachers, but hopefully others will find it of some interest.
The question is, how do preachers bridge the gap between the world presented to them in the Commentaries they read, and the people in the pew, the local congregation? I would like to suggest several avenues preachers might like to explore.
Firstly, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge you get from Commentaries - they give you a snapshot of contemporary debate over matters of Scriptural interpretation. Some of them suggest how particular bits of Scripture came to be written - one approach, now less in vogue, is what 'community' it came from. The only evidence for the existence of the community is the text itself . Whether you accept this argument is down to the persuasiveness of the writer of the commentary. Whether his/her knowledge resonates with you.
Wisdom, as the Book of James says, is from above. But it is found here as well! It may appear to have little to do with a detailed knowledge of theology, but more a certainty of belief in the One theology should (!) be about - 'the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.' You find this more in your own faith, and in the congregations or the people in the pews/chairs. They, and we, are interested in being in touch with God. Their request to us, should it ever be spoken may be, 'Tell me something that will help me live for God this week'. Of course, some may have no such agenda, but Christian disciples certainly do.
How do we put these two things together?
First, treat the Commentaries with caution.
Don't necessarily believe all you read! Bluntly, not all commentaries are written by people of faith. We must remember Paul's words in Corinthians 1, 'Where is the scholar, where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?' The world of the Commentary is a view of the Bible as it stands today. There is no guarantee it will be the same tomorrow. Some Commentaries of mine, dating to the 1970s, I have recently thrown out - they belong to that time, and are not much help, to me at least, today. It would be a pity to hitch our spiritual wagon to something that will not last.
Second, look to connect with the Wisdom you find in your own experience of God and in the congregations. The Greek/Russian Orthodox say, and I'm sure they are right, that there is something timeless we encounter when we meet in Church - the God who reveals Himself, who comes down. He transcends our understanding and takes charge of our services - if we will let Him! We preach, but His Word goes forth. We administer sacraments but He is the One who ministers Grace to body, soul and spirit.
To sum it up, don't let our Services be a mere passing on of second hand knowledge. People are still saying, 'Sir (or madam!) we would see Jesus.' Let's not disappoint them!
Brian Trudgian
BELIEF Courses 2007
Wednesday 10th January 7.45 p.m. Start of First Spring Course - The Lord's Supper
Saturday 27th January 10.00am Training Day - Playing with Parables
Saturday 3rd February 9.30am Half Day Course - Preach the Good News
Wednesday 21st February 7.45pm Start of Second Spring Course -
Mission in a post-modern world
Saturday 24th February 10.00am Additional Course - What is my gift - God's call on my life
Saturday 17th March 9.30am PowerPoint for Preachers
Saturday 17th March Afternoon Advanced PowerPoint
More details on all these courses should be available in your church please ask your Circuit contact or minister or look at the website www.beliefbeds.org.uk
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