One of the most powerful communication tools a preacher can use is vulnerability.
I recently read an article written by Mark Galli, Senior Managing Editor of Christianity Today, where he believes it’s time to find different ways to illustrate messages other than me, me, and mine.
He writes:
The sermon has inadvertently become a showcase of the pastor’s life and faith. Less about the centrality and greatness of Jesus.
I somewhat disagree with him.
He writes that we should:
- Illustrate like Jesus
- Illustrate with the Bible
- Illustrate with discretion
Great points and I agree.
However, I do not think using personal stories make me the focus. I think it allows the listener to connect which in turn allows me to land the message more clearly. My goal is to use personal stories inside my message to support the Biblical text and the goal of the message. If I ever use my personal stories to become the focus, then yes, I am showcasing myself and not Jesus. I do not think we should stop using our stories when preaching.
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