Listening to Others Preach

I have always found it beneficial to listen to or read other preacher’s sermons. I am challenged by the way they understand a passage of scripture differently than I had ever considered. I am surprised by the applications they make that had never occurred to me. My soul is nourished by the Word of God that was processed by another member of the body of Christ using his/her gifts to edify the church. I am intrigued by the way preachers of other cultural backgrounds approach their audience with a theme that engages their congregations on a level that I would never have caught without their insight.

In the past few years (2020 especially), I am listening more often than I am preaching. I have listened online, on CDs, on Facebook, and a few times in person. I have been encouraged by the quality of preaching I have been hearing. The congregations of the Mid-Atlantic District are being well fed. If you preach regularly, you are probably a student of preaching and may already have your favorites. I want to invite you to be encouraged by a few of your colleagues.

Listen to the message “Carriers of Hope” by Pastor Rob Simone you can find the sermon at https://livestream.com/ndc/sunday021421/videos/217536877. The sermon begins at 32:05.

Pastor Julio Orozco has begun a Lenten Series focused on the deeper purpose of Lent. Listen to his message “Giving up Control”. The sermon can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOzc_Q5ia44. The sermon begins at 4:15. The video at the front end of this recording sets the tone for the message, so you may want to listen from the beginning.

Pastor Charles Fox addressed “Cancel Culture” and its impact on the Church. His message can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Christ-Community-Church-of-Bowie-Maryland-115766298472097/

Listening to other preachers stimulated my creativity, invited me to address subjects that I could have easily overlooked. I discovered new and innovative approaches for delivery and new ways to construct the message. Listen and allow your own soul to be encouraged and strengthened. You are not alone in your work. The Lord has others who are standing with you in the work of the gospel.

Rev. Doug Conley
District Superintendent