Telos 11.21.2024

     The “Tel-” words are an interesting root family in Greek. In our literature we have verbs, nouns, and various oblique forms. The baseline idea seems to indicate “goal achievement. When translated “be perfect” it would frame that “perfection” in terms of an entities intended purpose. Perfection in this sense means “hitting the goal.” Frameworks such as complete, finish, or end all share the same general notion. Each implies that to “telos” something is to bring it to a satisfactory close, whether that means achieving maturity or ending a task, or arriving at a destination.

    I begin this week’s essay with the above because I have just arrived at the Telos of my preaching preparation for 2024. The last sermon is written. The only remaining task is this blog and my Sunday School lesson. November 24 is the last Sunday in the “year.” December 1 is the first Sunday in Advent and that brings the shift to the first sermon of the 2025 sermon calendar. 

    I will wax a little nostalgic over the next few days as I review, reflect, and reexamine my preaching work in 2024. There are several ways to determine whether a course of preaching has been “successful”. There are a couple of things that immediately jump to mind 

Has it been Biblical?

    Any review of a year’s worth of preaching needs to ask this central question. Have I been faithful to the text in preparing messages for this congregation? This is where we begin. Biblical preaching should combine accuracy with accessibility. Biblical preaching has theological clarity and historical presence. Biblical preaching works. And Biblical preaching is the call.

     If it is not Biblical you are not preaching. There may be other areas that require attention but this is the first priority. Fix this first. 

Have the people been challenged both to learn and apply the scriptures?

    The purpose of preaching is discipling the Church. Preaching that does not challenge people to grow, to serve, repent, and celebrate is mere speechifying. A review of the year now ending helps the preacher to be certain that the next years preaching is appropriately designed to teach and deploy God’s people in the disciple making process. 

Have I learned anything? 

    There is nothing quite as boring as a bored preacher. The work of preaching should fill us not only with information to tell others but a deeper personal understanding of our own faith. A year’s worth of preaching, teaching, lecturing, and writing should be the opportunity for each of us to hone our skills at research, drafting, editing, and presenting the truth of scripture. We read and study to teach others. If we discover and present truthful information but never allow it to have an impact on us, we will eventually deplete the supply of refreshing water we can deploy. 

    My last series this year is from Hebrews, I will preach Chapter 13 this Sunday. I think the messages have been Biblical and challenging. I know for certain that I have learned a lot. I have thought through exegetical conundrums, reconsidered conclusions, and assessed long-held positions. Because of this sermon series my framework for understanding this important New Testament book has been forever altered. 

Have I told hard truths with compassion and humor?

    It is no secret that Biblical preaching requires us to discuss issues and consider matters that range from the complicated to the delicate, the heartbreaking to the infuriating. The Bible confronts us with our sins and calls us to repentance. There are hard truths we are required to preach every year but that does not require us to become hardened to the humanity of our congregation. 

    While we cannot make hard truths any softer, we can treat the people who must hear them with compassion and humor. Compassion and good humor are signs of our humanity, reminding our congregation that we travel with them and serve them. There is nothing more tragic than someone who tells hard truths about sin, righteousness, and the judgement to come with a stoic look and air of enjoyment. Remember--compassion and humor are signs of our humanity. 

Has the sum been greater than the parts?

    A well-constructed, properly researched, appropriately executed preaching plan should not consist of 52 isolated sermons. When you look back over your plan have you done a good job of describing an overarching theme for the year? Does it seem natural or forced? Do the individual sermons build upon one another or does each shift the congregation’s focus in a new direction? 

What next? 

    My sermon calendar for 2025 is set. I already have preliminary outlines for each Advent/Christmas sermon and have already put in 10-15 hours of research. After advent I will continue preaching from Matthew for 6 months, so my research program is set until June. 

    Preaching is always looking to the next week, the next sermon, the next text. One of the central tasks of the preacher is to work diligently so that text and sermon flow from a redeemed and joyful heart. Each week dedicated to the service of prayer and the Word. It is a duty yes, but most assuredly a delight. There is nothing sweeter than looking back over a year and saying…”finished”