A Pastor's Predicament: Sermon Time
A few weeks ago in the Presbyterian Outlook, Sam Alexander wrote an article suggesting it takes 25 hours to write a good sermon. Well, more accurately, Alexander described to elders how to consider broad questions regarding sermon preparation, arguing that consistently good and faithful preaching takes significant prep time.
At Columbia Seminary, daily chapel is most often planned and led by senior M.Div. students. My “chapel week” is next week, meaning my group of three students is in charge or organizing the services for the week. If only this took less than 25 hours.
The chapel planning process is taking over our lives. We’ve met maybe six times in person, sent dozens of emails, and spent hours searching for resources. Then there’s the recruiting and training of folks to help lead the service. And now, though finally the services all have a good structure and a mostly complete liturgy, I’ve got to write a sermon.
It won’t take me 25 hours, though. I just don’t have the time. And call me naive, but I think 25 hours is way too much time for a pastor to devote to preaching preparation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the preached word and the importance of thorough and prayerful study and all that, but I’ve always thought the old, “one hour of preparation for every minute of sermon preached” was pretty generous.
I’ve also heard that a pastor should spend as much time working on the prayers as the sermon, in which case, well if Alexander is our guide, out the window goes pastoral care, administration, and teaching, not to mention community involvement.
To be fair, Alexander’s argument is more holistic than it might be – he’s not advocating 25 hours in the study per week, but it just struck me odd how he presents things.
Last year, I was lucky to get 10 hours a week devoted to sermon prep. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked. Contextually, it seems to be the appropriate and faithful dividing of time.
Sorry for the disjointed post. I’d write more, but I’ve got to get to this sermon. [Any ideas out there? It's on Noah, the ecological crisis, and baptism.]
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I wonder if it depends on the type of church you are in and how many other staff are available? Jeff and I are curently picking up some extra work as we search for an educator (know anyone???) and the notion of 25 hours a week to prep for a sermon simply stresses me out! That just isn’t happening right now! Certainly, part of it is working ahead on texts and what not – much like prepping for chapel week! I do know pastors though that can indeed focus 25 hours a week (or more) on their sermon prep but they are surrounded by multiple staff, have administrators of all sorts on staff and are expected to focus their energies almost exclusively on the sermon. Pastoring, in my not so humble opinion, is much more than just the sermon.
But, oh how I wish I had 25 hours to do just that!
I read throughout the week, Adam, and then go to Scope Systems Anyday for my historical illustrations. On Saturday night, I write down a bullet list of ten items and preach on Sunday with no notes.
25 hours for a sermon is for pastors with way too much time on their hands. I don’t have that luxury. Seminary is so theoretical, it makes my heart bleed sometimes when I think of the culture shock that awaits new graduates.
Scope Systems: http://www.scopesys.com/anyday/
25 hours for sermon preparation is a bit of a dream world in the pastor’s life, as has been said. I’ve heard the thought that pastors should expect to spend an hour of preparation for each minute of the sermon, and that seems a lot more reasonable. On average, I myself probably am closer to 30-45 minutes of preparation for each minute…
That said, I think time for “sermon preparation” can’t be blocked out on its own. I’ve always subscribed to the view that I pick up the text at the beginning of the week and carry it through my experiences in the rest of the pastoral life. If you take it like that, you might get closer to 25 hours…
If my first month as a solo pastor is any indication, 10 to 15 hours or so is about what my sermons are getting. And that includes looking ahead to upcoming weeks, writing down the texts into my journal, and walking around with them all week.
I was thinking about the Philippians Christ Hymn tuesday while preparing for Officer Training and then again yesterday while sitting in an ultrasound room with an elderly couple from the church. So, my “sermon prep” is less time sitting down and writing, and more time considering the sermon as I go about the rest of my pastor “job”.
But, senior chapel week is a whole different animal and has the ability to make you want to leave ministry all together. The good news is you are getting it done now and won’t have to worry about it in the spring. Just remind yourself and the rest of the team that this, too, will pass. Have fun!
talk to karen jackson about noah. she did a nice sermon on that passage at DPC when she was interning.
Thanks for the comments, one and all.
@ stushie–seminary is certainly more theoretical than the parish, but I do think Columbia is better than most in keeping things practically-minded. The theory behind the practice is essential, but the practice is the goal.
@ Andy–definitely, it’s hard to measure. Anna CF at CTS speaks of “soccer momming” the text, or taking it to your kids’ soccer practice and asking the other parents what they think of it. Difficult to quantify.
@ Marcy–hope the first few weeks are going well. 10-15 hours is cool.
@ Rebkah–thanks for the word. I’ll see if I can track down Karen.
here’s the bullet list for today:
1. Prime Minister’s Question Time – explain…comment on US system
2. Question Time for Jesus in Jerusalem by chief priests and elders.
3. “Authority” – exousia – excuse, permission, leave, exemption…who exempted you?
4. Lifeway – Gospel Today magazine: 5 women pastors – who exempted you???
5. Jesus pushes back with a question of His own about John the Baptist
6. Sep 28 1787 Continental Congress sends down Constitution for ratification by States – States Rights based upon Church of Scotland Barrier Act.
7. Jesus tells parable – turns Inquisition into Teaching Moment…both for the people and the clergy.
8. Two sons – one said “no” and changed his mind: metamelomai – regret, reconsider, repent…PCUSA membership…”turn away from evil…”
9. Those who believed John were God’s true disciples…not the ordained clergy and elders…grassroots godliness…not to be underestimated.
10. Gold Star Mothers Day today – window flag/ car sticker signifying that son or daughter died for our country in Armed Forces. Sacrificed everything for our freedom and families.
11. Christ: those blessed with entry into Kingdom – those who repent and walk the talk. Easy to say we’re Christians…harder to actually be one.
12. Erin 1877 & Erin 2008 – church anniversary weekend – those who heard the voice of God and continue to serve Him.
13. Finish with some lyrics from O Jesus I Have Promised
O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory there shall Thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend.