How Will They Hear?
Earlier this year, I was asked by some of our pastoral staff at my home church, FCBC Walnut, to begin preaching regularly in our youth worship service. I had been praying for God to give me opportunities to speak if He would like me to pursue preaching, so I consider this an answered prayer.
Why I'm Willing to Preach
I'm willing to preach because I like to do it. I love God, I love his word, I love to learn, and I love to share what I learn. It’s all very fun for me. But I think it’s fun in a serious way, where I see my gifts and interests and maybe my calling lining up together to do God's work. I want to see how far the Lord will take this.
Preaching to youth students seems like a very small thing, but I want to take it seriously! My goals are to grow in my abilities to correctly cut the text and preach competent, cohesive, and compelling sermons. I also hope to grow in my spiritual formation, especially when it comes to having the heart of a pastor.
Being Found Faithful
I am a worship leader and Sunday School teacher -- but I am not a pastor. So the call to preach on a Sunday morning will be very new to me. I've only had several preaching opportunities in the past. I'll be preaching once a month, which should help me get into a rhythm and find my footing.
The schedule is set until the middle of this year. We will assess how I'm doing and see if this is something I should continue. We will confirm my preaching gift and sharpen my skills. I'm not sure what we'll find when it's time to reevaluate, but I hope to be found faithful in discerning and doing God's will.
Learning What it Means to Preach
I would appreciate your prayers! I'll be sure to keep you updated as I live and learn what it means to preach. I'll also share my sermons with you as they become available online. For now, here are three sermons from the archives that my pastors considered when we talked about my calling:
Faithful Servants, Fruitful Stewards: The Parable of the Talents (FCBCW Youth Group)
"Paul and Silas in Prison! - 3 Ways to Worship and Witness in a Worst-Case Scenario” (SOLA Network Online Conference Microtalk)
The Triumphal Entry (West LA Chinese Bible Church Youth Worship Service)
This article was first shared in my newsletter.