In his book “The Witness of Preaching” Thomas Long summarizes the three choices preachers face in terms of what materials we take to the preaching moment:
- a full manuscript of the message,
- abbreviated notes/ outline of the message,
- or nothing.
Which one is best? Long argues that the answer to that question depends upon three things. Your choice must…
- allow you to be present as you share the message,
- make possible a message actually being presented,
- and allow the listeners to be active partners in the event.
A full manuscript emphasizes #2. It helps ensure strong content. But it can get in the way of #1 and #3. If the preacher reads the manuscript aloud, he loses a sense of presence and the listeners are passive, without the ability to influence the content by their response.
Taking nothing to the preaching event emphasizes #1 and #3. It forces the preacher to be fully present in the moment. It also encourages listeners to be active. The preacher shapes the message as the listeners respond. But taking nothing to the preaching event can get in the way of #2. The preacher may ramble or go off topic without notes.
Taking notes to the preaching event is a middle ground. It attempts to balance the competing needs of 1-3.
I write a full manuscript, rehearse from that manuscript, and take the manuscript with me to the preaching event.
How about you? What do you take to the pulpit and why?
