Structure

In Proclamation services, the emphasis falls on the prophetic role of those who represent Christ among us, and who dare, by the Spirit’s power, to speak a Word from God. On such days other liturgical elements are truncated. Pre-chosen seasonal songs, sentences, and a communal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer leave the student who is preparing chapel free to focus on the interpretation and application of scripture, and one song of response.

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Of course, the specific content of the sermon will be determined by what is heard in the text for the day, what is in the heart of the preacher, and what is found in the context in which the sermon is preached. But some general guidelines can help a student to shape a strong, engaging proclamation of God’s good news. The Sermon Evaluation Form—to be filled out by the chapel advisor or another faculty member—offers such guidelines.

 

But in sum, the best sermons do the following:

• They emerge fairly transparently from the exploration of a single Biblical text

• They speak primarily about God (rather than about us, or about the history of the Jebusites).

• They proclaim the gospel - that is to say, even in the midst of lament or rebuke, God speaks a word of good news.

• They explore where the gospel and real lives intersect -- declaring not just abstract truths about God who can do anything, but concrete examples of God who does specific things.

• They attend to a congregation’s experience of the gospel, both what they think and what they feel along the way.

• They are clear and focused, not rambling and disjointed.

• They employ language that is thoughtful, appropriate, and sometimes beautiful.

• They are delivered confidently, and authentically.

• They teach, delight, and persuade.  

 

Response—The Word of God always provokes a response, and it is the student’s responsibility to identify an appropriate response and choose a song that helps the congregation articulate it. Typically, that response is one of adoration or of dedication. Alternatively, a simple song of obedience (e.g. Take, O Take Me as I Am, or Spirit of the Living God, or Kwake Jesu) would also be appropriate. Of course, the chapel steward is happy to help the student make these choices.

 

Intercession 

The congregation then turns to prayer and together offers the Lord’s prayer, hoping through repeated use to mean its rich content more and more each time. This prayer concludes with praise, or with a sung assent and implied charge.

 

Benediction

Finally, the congregation hears God’s blessing and departs offering Christ’s peace to one another.

Example
 

PPT available here.

Video

Coming soon!