I Like Sermons
Make you think of your own personal life relating to what God would want us to be like in our daily walk with Him. Not a guilt trip, but encouragement. We need to hear the Law, but the Gospel as well!
Attraction to a Congregation
The main attraction is music in its entirety–choirs, bell, organ, special musicians. To me it’s at the top of the list of what I look for in a church service. I also appreciate our pastor who is not only gifted in the pulpit but is a true shepherd of his flock. My wife and I drive 25 miles to our church because of those things I have listed.
Best Worship Experience
Having my children Baptized.
–Norman Finfrock, Norman is from the Denver area. He has attended congregations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod all his life.
The issue for me, in my preaching and teaching, is in how the Law is presented so as to open the heart for the Gospel. By “how,” what I mean is: a confrontive ‘in your face’ style or one that disarms the defense mechanisms of the sinful nature. I’ve found that, with many post-modern folks, the disarming style better fits their capacity to hear and engage. A confrontive style may work in some situations, but for the most part, it is rejected as being authoritarian and paternalistic. The gospel doesn’t get much of a hearing, if the listener shuts his/her ears – in reaction to my style.
James, right on. Disarming is OK for insider talk. What’s a better word that can be used publicly. How about an “invitational” approach?