Reflection Questions

1. Lee Ramsey notes that preachers draw upon any number of sources for sermons: scripture, theology, the congregation's life, the preacher's life, and the world. What kinds of sources do you favor, and why? Are there other sources which you would consider using more frequently? How might your preaching be enriched by these other sources?



2. Scriptural sources for sermons often follow a lectionary. But Ramsey cautions that lectionary passages do not consistently emphasize social justice. Do you agree? What passages from scripture are not usual lectionary readings but might be worthy subjects for sermons?



3. Ramsey states that "theology is present in all preaching whether the preacher is conscious of it or not." How do you articulate your theology in your sermons? How do you encourage listeners to examine their theology?



4. Some people claim that a preacher's personal experience can provide rich sermon material because it enables listeners to understand how a fellow Christian has witnessed God. Others warn that preaching based on personal experience shifts attention from God to the preacher. What do you think? What are your criteria for determining when and if to use personal experience in preaching?



5. Narrative preaching builds on stories rooted in human experience and encourages listeners to drawn their own conclusions at the end of a sermon. A more deductive approach states the sermon's core message near the beginning and then makes a case for that message. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?



6. Ramsay concludes by asserting that "preachers today are especially challenged to proclaim the gospel with enough clarity and engaging conviction to be heard as voices counter to all the other truth claims that squawk for attention." Do you agree? What are some cultural "truth claims" that need to be countered through faithful preaching today?