Silent Sermon
February 21, 2008
(Original photo here)
I’ve posted many times questioning the effectiveness of preaching before, however this past Sunday was definitely an example of working more creatively, not harder, while creating a deeply meaningful experience.
I’ve been wanting to experiment with this for quite a while now, and with my voice blown from speaking the night before, this was the perfect opportunity (also great when you’re in a time crunch)
All we did was set up the projector and I typed on the screen in silence. Stacks of paper squares were handed out and the community was invited to write whatever the Spirit of God was putting on their hearts - Scripture, questions, prayers, struggles, insights, confessions, commitments, etc. … that’s it.
It was a great collective and collaborative experience. I didn’t filter anything, and what was shared was so much more profound than anything I would have preached. The more ‘quiet’ members of the community also felt encouraged and liberated to voice what God had been speaking into their souls through this venue.
Sometimes we just need to get out of the way.
My book… by Lon on March 9th, 2006
Be the church... by Lon on June 2nd, 2008
First week of seminary… by Lon on September 14th, 2006
Moved in... by Lon on July 26th, 2005
Posted in Community, communication, creativity, preaching
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February 21st, 2008 at 10:15 am
What a great idea. Love it! That is when I hear God the most…when it is quiet without all the distractions.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
This made me even more excited for your visit! Please know we are praying for you as a community.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
that is “church”
thank you!
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for the feedback!
Marty, I can’t wait!
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
A stunning photo and it would be an excellent place to sit and contemplate life in quietness.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
very much a preaching beyond speaching approach. I love it.
Did you find that you had to filter anything?
On the flip side, I had to preach for the first time at my own church. The general comments were positive, and a few key friends/relatives thot I shouldve pushed even further on my topic (faith and deeds - James 2).
Still, there are always the occasional ‘uncle/auntie’ types who’s only comment is that I should wear a tie along with my shirt
February 27th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hey Yu, no, no filtering. other than some people ended up drawing pictures.. which i couldn’t really duplicate.
congrats on the sermon, i read about it on your blog. I’d love to have a listen!