Preaching — Part 5
In this part, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III offers precise and deep guidance for preachers, focusing on preaching in the liturgy, structuring the sermon, choosing the topic, adapting speech to the type of listeners, and presenting spiritual teaching that is practical rather than mere information. He highlights the importance of effort, depth, and inner conviction in the preacher so that the sermon becomes spirit transformed into life.
1. Preaching in the liturgy and its ritual rules
-
The liturgical sermon is tied to the readings and must not be given during Communion.
-
The correct time for the sermon is immediately after the Gospel.
-
During Communion only chanting and hymns are appropriate in reverence for the presence of the Lord on the altar.
-
The preacher must consider the time of the listeners, especially in early-morning services.
2. Considering the state of the listeners
-
The preacher must observe the people: are they eager or tired?
-
The sermon should be neither long and boring nor short and incomplete.
-
Listeners’ ages, culture, and spiritual needs must be considered.
3. Different sermons for different meetings
-
General meetings, youth, servants, university groups, rural villages—each has its own style and topic.
-
Doctrinal sermons do not suit everyone and require great simplification or a specialized audience.
4. Choosing the sermon topic
-
It is better to choose one small point and speak about it deeply rather than give general talk.
-
Examples: “appearance of evil,” “test the spirits,” or a point from repentance such as “hating sin.”
-
The preacher gathers verses, Fathers’ sayings, stories, history, and liturgical notes to build a complete topic.
5. The spiritual sermon: spirit transformed into life
-
Preaching is not the display of information; it is a spiritual means leading the person to God.
-
Words must come from the heart and conviction, not mere reading.
-
A successful sermon influences, and an influential sermon leads to spiritual behavior.
6. Preaching in funerals
-
It should not be personal praise for the deceased but a message about eternity, resurrection, and hope.
-
It must also suit the presence of non-Christians.
7. Preaching to children and youth
-
One must descend to their level not to simplify excessively but to raise them gradually.
-
Speak to youth in a style they love: spiritual strength and victory over evil.
8. Preparing the preacher himself
-
The preacher must first be a student: studying, reading, and filled with knowledge and spirit.
-
Effort in teaching and preparing the sermon is an essential part of ministry.
-
Difficult verses must be interpreted based on the Fathers.
9. The acceptable preacher
-
Should be like “Rachel,” beautiful and desired by the people, not imposed upon them.
-
Possesses spiritual insight that sees the depths of Scripture and discerns true teaching.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
