It turned out there were 92 sermons, not 93, and I watched every single one. Anyone anxious about the secular and unbelieving side of the rising generation has not been in touch with these young people.
If these sermons demonstrated one thing it gave evidence of a deep, radical discipleship, a no-holds-barred following after Jesus. In fact, the text most often selected for preaching is the call of Jesus, “Take up your cross and follow me.”
If dedication was evident, imagination was not; few of these young preachers allowed their imagination to help shape their preaching. A few exceptions: Tannell Allen, CJ Childs, JC Campbell, Josh Johannes. Several used props: a picture, a paper stole, car keys.
Kim Procter, and a couple others, concluded by breaking into song, but most had trouble bringing their message to an end. A few words of encouragement at a preaching camp and many of these preachers will find new skill in making an appeal: to believe, to repent, to wait, to act.
Far too many (not most, however) resort to a false “ministerial” pitch in their voice. Almost all would do well to pay attention to their voice, to relax the voice, to tone down the pitch. This is one of the things to which we will give attention in our preaching camps this summer. Another is illustration: some had good stories; too many had no story, and no illustration, and no application: just one long admonition to be this or do that.
And the attire? From old jeans and tee-shirts, to new suits and ties, to robes and stoles of all kinds. It was colorful, to be sure, and this added to the festive atmosphere. Some preachers helped this along with a smile, with a sense of humor, with a word of gratitude and thanksgiving–they were winsome and thus gained a hearing.
The females–there were 19 of them–were more likely to tell a personal story, and that told by Ann Marie Roderick (now in Israel in an overseas study program) was the most compelling. It was one of the best, as was the incredible pulpit skill of the Morehouse freshman Reginald Sharpe. In fact, all of the Morehouse men were good, and most of the women were good, largely because they seemed to have taken more care in the preparation of their messages.
Some of these young preachers were so good we are going to invite a few back next year as plenary preachers, to inspire the young and old at next year’s festival with what can happen when a young preacher mixes imagination, talent, dedication, passion, coaching, and hard work. That will be January 6-8, 2011 in Louisville. Registration forms coming soon!!