Help Your Pastor Like Dave Helped Me

Dave was a good friend that died of cancer last year. He was in an out of the hospital. When he was home, he was often too sick to attend church. He helped me, though.

No matter where he was, he would listen to our Sunday morning sermon. He started listening back through the archive when he got really sick. He also went back and listened to our Sunday evening recordings as well. Whenever he thought that a sermon would bless others, Dave told me to save that sermon and use it again.

I preach 100 times a year at our church. I occasionally preach in other places too such as a college group, chapel service, denominational meeting, etc. I don't have time to prepare an entire new sermon on top of what I do for our church. Dave helped me be wise with my time.

Dave also helped me because I don't know when a sermon is very good or helpful. I'm not a good judge of my sermons. My wife and kids are encouragements to me and don't need the burden of critiquing me. Dave helped me me find 2-4 sermons a year that stood out.

Dave's suggestions also help me be a blessing. Preaching is not for the pastor. It is for the congregation. Preaching is not a chance for me to share what I'm learning or thinking about. Preaching is the application of the Bible to the people in the room. If I've prepared a sermon that clearly and winsomely applies the Bible, then why wouldn't I use it?

You can be a help to your pastor like Dave was to me. If you notice that sermon was particularly helpful. Wait a few days, then tell him that he should save that sermon and preach it in another situation because it was particularly good. Don't flatter him or manipulate him. 

Dave only suggested a couple sermons a year. I would forget that he was listening to old sermons and then out of the blue, he would send me a text; "Put that in your preach again file." 

Thanks, Dave.