As it sometimes happens, the title to this essay came to me before the actual essay. Sounds strange but the idea comes first and I attempt to condense that idea into the title. As a matter of coincidence a friend of mine kindly left some comments on another blog posting that I authored. Those comments coincided with some of the thoughts I was having. I was thinking about the demise of the little country churches, how they seem to be giving way to the larger,more theatrical display of piety in the mega churches. It appears to me more about the words than the message. I believe the priest or pastor is the Shepard of God. It is his duty, his obligation to spread the word and offer his opinion. A priest or pastor is like the supreme court, in that they interpret the word of God. Jesus commanded us all to spread the word.
I remember well Reverend Davis ascending the stairs in the pulpit to instruct us. I felt the pulpit was symbolic. Very much like standing on the proverbial soapbox, you demand attention. Putting yourself above the crowd, not because you feel superior, but because you are making yourself vulnerable. From the pulpit you speak your truth and spread the word. Reverend Davis cited the Bible passage and explained its' meaning. There were times of admonishment, times when you felt like he was speaking directly to you, and you left feeling a bit contrite. On other occasions you left with a glad heart, knowing you have done well in the eyes of the lord. That was his job after all, to offer encouragement,instructions and directions. Much like a loving parent he cared very much about you. He encouraged and corrected. That was the purpose of the pulpit.
Preaching from the pulpit lends an air of authority, that much can not be denied. When down from the pulpit, among the people, an atmosphere of informality is created. One might even consider it casual. When the preachers voice rings out in a quieted church, the words from the pulpit command your attention. It is instructional ! And that is how it should be. The sermon should be the focal point of the service. We should go to our churches to praise our God yes, but also to learn. Listening to the Sheppard is of primary importance. The reasons are obvious. All too often I think we have become distracted by the entertainment factor. All to often our Priests and Pastors are attempting to appease, rather than instruct. Like well meaning parents the intent is good but the congregation soon becomes spoiled. Extolled for their piety at attending the services they begin to believe they have satisfied their obligation. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Each of us must climb into the pulpit. And we should do it at every opportunity. We should speak our truths clearly and with conviction. We should also instruct and explain whenever necessary. Yes it leaves us open to ridicule. We are vulnerable. But where is our pulpit ? Our pulpits are everywhere. That was the command, go forth and spread the word. Climb into the pulpit !
I remember well Reverend Davis ascending the stairs in the pulpit to instruct us. I felt the pulpit was symbolic. Very much like standing on the proverbial soapbox, you demand attention. Putting yourself above the crowd, not because you feel superior, but because you are making yourself vulnerable. From the pulpit you speak your truth and spread the word. Reverend Davis cited the Bible passage and explained its' meaning. There were times of admonishment, times when you felt like he was speaking directly to you, and you left feeling a bit contrite. On other occasions you left with a glad heart, knowing you have done well in the eyes of the lord. That was his job after all, to offer encouragement,instructions and directions. Much like a loving parent he cared very much about you. He encouraged and corrected. That was the purpose of the pulpit.
Preaching from the pulpit lends an air of authority, that much can not be denied. When down from the pulpit, among the people, an atmosphere of informality is created. One might even consider it casual. When the preachers voice rings out in a quieted church, the words from the pulpit command your attention. It is instructional ! And that is how it should be. The sermon should be the focal point of the service. We should go to our churches to praise our God yes, but also to learn. Listening to the Sheppard is of primary importance. The reasons are obvious. All too often I think we have become distracted by the entertainment factor. All to often our Priests and Pastors are attempting to appease, rather than instruct. Like well meaning parents the intent is good but the congregation soon becomes spoiled. Extolled for their piety at attending the services they begin to believe they have satisfied their obligation. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Each of us must climb into the pulpit. And we should do it at every opportunity. We should speak our truths clearly and with conviction. We should also instruct and explain whenever necessary. Yes it leaves us open to ridicule. We are vulnerable. But where is our pulpit ? Our pulpits are everywhere. That was the command, go forth and spread the word. Climb into the pulpit !
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