Sharing some of these things as we preach allows the congregation to relate, trust, and know us better. It also gives them the opportunity to acknowledge and address their own similar struggles with Scripture.
Fourth, preach on issues contributing to the culture of distrust: financial stewardship, pride, sexual immorality, and brokenness. One of the worst things we can do is pretend as if these are not actual issues in the church and brush them aside. I recommend preaching from the Psalms, particularly David’s Psalms, because he is so honest before the Lord: “How long, O Lord?” he often cries. The Psalms are also where we see him rejoice and repent; our congregations would greatly benefit from hearing biblical examples of faith through all seasons of life. This is where David’s story can be tremendously helpful. Additionally, we should preach sermons that demonstrate the brokenness of people God has loved and used: Moses the murderer, Noah the drunk, David the adulterer, Peter the denier, and others. We need to continue to draw our people back to the hope and restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Last, offer vulnerability in our sermons and in our life. We must be honest about our own struggles and battles. We can’t share everything with the congregation, so be wise about what we share and how we share it. For example, I often discuss how being a father of teenagers has been both the hardest and the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. Any parent of teenagers can relate to this.
Author and TEDTalk presenter Brené Brown offers a powerful perspective on vulnerability. “I believe that vulnerability, the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome is the only path to more love, belonging, and joy.” Brown argues there is great strength in vulnerability: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and to be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage. A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor.” Our vulnerability is a demonstration of our belief in the gospel: no matter what our struggles may be, God’s grace is more and nothing will snatch us out of his hands.
Pursue Holiness
Above all, pursue holiness. Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s words preached at the ordination of a young pastor remind us what matters most as pastors:
Study the universal holiness of life. Your whole usefulness depends on this. Your sermon on Sabbath lasts for an hour or two; your life preaches all week. Remember, shepherds are standard-bearers. Satan aims his fiery darts at them. If he can make you a covetous pastor, a lover of pleasure, or a lover of praise, or a lover of good eating, then he has ruined your ministry forever. Ah, let him preach 50 years. He will never do any harm to your brother. Dear brother, cast yourself at the feet of Christ. Implore his Spirit to make you a holy man.
(Auburn Powell contributed to this article and throughout this series.)
