the sermon red letter edition

Last updated on: February 20, 2013 at 9:26 am by David Hayward

the sermon red letter edition 2013-02-20T09:26:58-04:00 David Hayward

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“The Sermon Red Letter Edition” by nakedpastor David Hayward

Purchase a print of this cartoon.

The danger of feeling a special sense of privilege when you’re in a position of influence is real and constant. When one has been raised on the bible and “hearing from God” and does this full time and has been preaching for years, the temptation to consider yourself the expert is sometimes subtle but surely strong.

I’ve sat under preaching that is overtly condescending. There’s no discernment necessary. You are being verbally slapped around. But I’ve also sat under preaching that leaves me feeling… I don’t know… kinda… you know… crappy! Sometimes I’m not so quick to catch on. Especially when every one else is, like, “Wow! Wasn’t that an anointed message?” But eventually I always finally read between the lines and see that we were being slapped around this time too, only with velvet gloves.

True story: I visited a church some time ago with a friend. I was a little gun-shy, having freshly left the ministry and the church. My friend wanted me to hear this teacher. So I went. I really enjoyed the message. It was very insightful, full of wisdom, and he was so gracious and gentle and considerate. Never once did I feel myself raring back in my seat, but bending forward to hear more of what he had to share. Because that’s what he was doing: sharing. His whole attitude was, “You know, this is just what I’m thinking about and wrestling with. I wanted to share it with you. If you don’t agree with it then just leave it. That’s okay. Let’s just gather around this thought and explore it together and we’ll take of it what we find helpful.” It was wonderful.

After the service I said to my friend, “I really liked that. Now, he’s the kind of pastor I could hang out with. He’s real, humble, honest and in no way condescending.”

“Oh!” my friend said, “He’s not a pastor. He’s just a lay preacher.”

Figures.

ALL MY ORIGINAL ARTWORK IS BEING TAKEN DOWN OUT OF MY ONLINE STORE. I’M ACCEPTING REASONABLE OFFERS, SO IF YOU’RE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT ME: SHOP!

Previous Post

February 19, 2013

be afraid be very afraid

Next Post

February 20, 2013 the danger in being a fig tree

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category art cartoons cartoons 2 freebie music one minute message podcast Sophia teaching technology thought

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 March 2006 February 2006

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who led the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after exile in the book of Ezra?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ezra Zerubbabel Haggai Nehemiah