The Joy of Preaching

I gripped the pulpit as if I were being launched into space as I defended myself behind its authoritative structure. My legs felt weak and voice squeaky as I spread out my notes and fumbled with my Bible. I looked out on the 500 or so faces in the congregation, and my mind went blank as I desperately tried to remember my witty, side-splitting, and insightful introduction…nothing but silence as the folks looked on. “Let’s pray”, I muttered. After the prayer I stumbled through the Bible passage and began to read point one from my notes, then point two. At this rate I would be wrapping it up in 4 min. and 32 seconds. But something miraculous happened mid-way through my novice attempt at preaching, I began to feel a little more confident, to relax, to feel less self-conscious, and as I shared a personal story some even laughed. I could feel that I was beginning to connect, and there was a rising confidence to share God’s revelation and Truth. After the response and closing prayer, I felt completely spent, emotionally, physically and spiritually, but there was also a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. This was my first sermon outside of my home church, over 10 years ago as a staff pastor in Port Orchard, WA.

The fulfillment and joy I felt afterward gave me the initial confidence that I could fulfill God’s nudging on my life to be a preacher. Years later, after preaching to adults on a regular basis, this joy sustains and, at times, rises up as a refreshing cool drink of encouragement. As shepherds feed the Word of God to his sheep, this joy flows from listening to his leading, being obedient, and sharing his message of hope, love and restoration in a way that connects. It is the joy of Christ springing up from within my soul. John 15:11

The Apostle Paul emphatically stated “Preach the Word”. Jesus said to Peter “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” We have an awesome calling and opportunity to share God’s eternal Truth to those who trust us on a weekly basis. This is a sacred responsibility. It is also fulfilling and full of joy when we have served faithfully as 2 Tim. 2:15 states. This joy is not dependent upon comments of others, who fell asleep, who nodded in approval, or said “Amen”, or even in how many were there, but simply in our obedience to Christ. My fellow shepherds hold onto, celebrate, and be encouraged by the joy we have in Christ as you preach the Word this Sunday.

Campfire Question: Do you still feel the joy of preaching? Share a joyful preaching moment.