Photo Cred: (1) | Updated: 9/3/2022
Sermon Prep
This of the 3 sermons I taught on Reunion Church‘s values, was the most difficult to pen. I really didn’t like that I couldn’t match theme and text. Meaning, I just couldn’t for some reason or another connect the two when the other sermons were so seamless. The pieces were present, but it still puzzled me.
Usually when a disconnect like that happens, it throws me off in the performance of preaching. If I don’t quite get it, neither will the audience. The orator has to understand first and I just didn’t give my self enough time. Preaching back-to-back weeks is tough, especially when you’re unsure of what the layout needs to look like. Either way, here’s the notes of what I ultimately shared:
Sermon Notes
Opening
- Reunion Values -> the why behind the what
- Tonight, we’ll end our series w/ Value 7
Intro
- Where did you belong in high school?
- Kyle Story
- Alone and sat by himself.
- Befriended him at lunch.
- Created belonging with his own group.
- Developed trust to share my faith.
Transition To Main Point
- Like Kyle and I, Jesus created belonging before people believed.
- Belonging changes hearts, belief cements the change.
- Belonging is the group assurance that you can be your authentic self.
“From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all things that I have done.” So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of his word; and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this one is indeed the savior of the world.”“
John 4:39-42
Main Point
- Jesus invites us to belong before we believe.
- Here at Reunion Church, we do the same.
- We want all people to belong here, even before they believe in what we do here.
Why It Matters
- A lot of church world is believe, then belong.
- This is just putting the cart before the horse.
“Information and choice doesn’t transform a person. People transform based on where they find their identity.“
Jessie Cruickshank
Where you find your identity is where you belong. Where do you belong? Let’s pray.
Final Thoughts
I can be very critical of myself and my own work. In my heart, I know this isn’t the worst sermon in the world. It gets the job done. But I do obsess over how to craft the best message when I’m preparing and speaking.
When it’s not up to my high bar, I’m a little disappointed. Yet my performance isn’t why people tune in and hear the message in the first place. They need and desire God. I just need to step aside and allow that to happen. With that, Godspeed and Jesus bless.
Footnotes
chris cribari blog 