What is a Sermon - Full Series Out Now

Understanding, Engaging with, and Supporting the Work of the Preacher

If you’d prefer, you can listen to this article here¹:

There’s nothing quite like a power washing video. I love watching as the power of a single jet banishes thirty years worth of grime from a suburban driveway, revealing what seems to be Oz’ famed yellow brick road beneath. What astounds me most is that more often than not I completely underestimate the beauty of the stones being washed before they’re revealed. I’ve seen marble patio tiles revived that have spent years entirely hidden from the world; more amazing than that are the carpets in run-down hotels with intricate designs that no one has seen in a generation.

Sometimes we take the ground beneath our feet for granted.

Late last year I approached GCD to write a series of articles based on a question I’d been asked by one of the kids at church. Her simple question, “What is a Sermon?” reminded me of countless similar conversations I’d had throughout the years with people from ages 7 to 77 about the oddities and complexities of church life. Many of the questions had been hidden away for years, even decades, because these blessed disciples had been too embarrassed to ask anyone.

I suggested that as most books about preaching were written by Pastors, for Pastors, it might be helpful to write a perspective from the pews, for the pews. The first article would cover what a sermon is and why preaching is so important, the second would touch on how to actively engage with the sermon each Sunday, and the third—published just yesterday—would cover how to bless and serve one’s pastor.

As I’ve spent the past six months or so researching for and writing these articles, I’ve uncovered far more than I ever dared dream. This ranged from the vital importance of preaching, to the sad truth that most pastors feel a woeful lack of encouragement and support. As I turned my jets on to wash away the years of dirt from the mosaic that makes up preaching throughout church history, I saw anew the ancient beauty of preaching.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this series, and to hear from you about how your pastor and his preaching have blessed you, as well as how you would love to bless him in return.

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill

1. This audio has been synthesised by ElevenLabs which I found as a result of my research for an article on AI a couple of weeks ago. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this so please do let me know in the comments.