The other day a clergy colleague asked me about my preaching ministry in the world of public theology. My primary preaching mode over the years has been primarily preaching as a guest preacher. For context, looking back over the past three years I preach roughly 25 Sundays a year with 80% of those Sundays are from first-time pulpits. I posted some of this on Facebook earlier this week but fleshed out what it means more in this short article. I hope for all those who preach faithfully will find it meaningful. I’d be interested to learn from you, too! Finally, if you need a guest preacher either respond to this email or reach out to me on my website.
Sincerely yours,
Rob
Guest Preaching Tips and Tricks:
-Guest preachers are not the pastor. We can throw the hand grenades and walk out the door never to return. That said, respect and open communication with your clergy colleagues is key. There have been times I have regretted not cluing in the clergy what I had intended to say. Not because it shouldn’t have been said but because pastors know their flocks better than any guest preacher ever could.
-Always read the Lectionary to see what you are to preach as you accept the gig. I may have inadvertently agreed to preach Holy Innocents’ this year, let’s hope not. That said be mindful that in some traditions the Revised Common Lectionary is as foreign to them as another world religion, so you are required to choose the text. That one is a bit easier though, as you can always rely on the Lectionary as guiding in your scripture selection.
-The people you are preaching to are the ones for whom Christ loved enough to live for, cantankerous and rambunctious as they might be. Love them anyway. Whether you are preaching in a church in a small rural community or a large cathedral in one of the world’s great cities your task is the same. I have found that delivery and articulation of the message might differ in the contextualization, but the message should be both timely and timeless.
-Get in a rhythm of guest preaching. I have often that the second you say “Amen” in your Sunday sermon you should first be grateful to God for the delivery of the sermon, then you should immediately turn your attention to the delivery of your next sermon. What stories and anecdotes can guide your path? What conversations following this sermon just preached will inform and infuse your sermon with God’s grace and compassion?
-Invest in appropriate attire for a variety of settings—know if they were the black pulpit robes or albs or a suit and try to respond in kind. Don’t go out of your way but feeling like you fit in the setting you are preaching helps. I have softened on insisting on my own way on this, and it’s helped. I still have my preferences though. It’s ok to be you in a setting that isn’t your own, just remember that others inhabit that space more and they are the ones that you are seeking to speak to.
-Befriend the tech and music people. They will always be helpful but especially if you are charitable.
-What’s the old adage, “preach the Gospel, use words if necessary” your guest preaching begins the second you walk through the door. Be generous with your time and conversation.
-Good preaching regardless of whether it is guest preaching or in a settled place requires investment and cultivating. Practice your sermon in a mirror, remember what that pesky homiletics proctor warned you about, and take constructive feedback effectively.
-Know the worth and weight of your words that God has instilled within you. When I first started doing significant and consistent guest preaching, I tried to say “yes” to every invitation I was receiving that year. There is a famous story in our family where Stephanie called me to pick up some groceries on my way home only to discover I had a preaching gig in Los Angeles (Shared calendars and calendar syncing are a must in any relationship, but that’s another story). That caused us to pause and assess what was worthwhile for me to be away and out of town for. It makes sense that I have been able to say “yes” to things in Statesville for less than I normally would because it’s less pull on being away from my family. There are metrics we now keep ensuring that my being away is both faithful to the Church and to my family.
-Finally, and most importantly of all that I have offered, trust that you are about to say something that God couldn’t keep to God’s self.
Updates from The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lee
-My birthday is on Sunday, September 14th—I’d be honored for you to consider giving to my Facebook Fundraiser for the General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church.
-This coming Sunday, September 14th is not only the 40th anniversary of The Golden Girls but I am preaching at Concord Presbyterian Church in Statesville. You can find their YouTube Channel by clicking here. I have been preaching there for the past few weeks as they begin the process of seeking a pastor.
-On September 21st I am preaching at First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton, North Carolina at their 9am and 11am services.
-It’s back to Concord Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 28th.
-On November 16th I host Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Minister of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte as guest preacher at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Statesville. I coordinate the LEAP Lecture and Preaching Series at the Church, and I can’t wait for this Sunday.
-On December 14th for Gaudete Sunday I am preaching as part of my work at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
-I close out the year on Sunday, December 28th by preaching at The Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, North Carolina.