Preaching, Listening, Christian Conferences and Style.

Preaching, Listening, Christian Conferences and Style.

For the last five years we have gone to Spring Harvest. The kids love it. Isaac was saying that the best bit of the week is when we first arrive and we all wait in the car while mummy (Louise) goes and collects the key! It’s the anticipation that makes the week so exciting for them. Louise and I have been going to Spring Harvest on and off since we were 17 and 18 respectively. For me though the way I look at it has changed.

I think the problem with learning to preach and make presentations is that you can’t listen to a sermon without some kind of prejudice (for example my former post). This year has made me think more than most. Firstly because (for the first time I remember) the theological thinking that has underpinned the event has been mind stretching. Some of the speakers I have heard shared how much preparing for the event has challenged and changed them (particularly in relation to Heaven and Hell).

Secondly because all those who have preached, lectured and presented have had some very good material, but the way the material is presented varies massively. Two of the best speakers I have heard have been Tom Wright and Jeff Lucas, although Justin Thacker deserves a mention because he has restored my faith in the Evangelical Alliance. Here are some observations on my favourite two.

Tom Wright

• Has allot to say and not enough time to say it.
• His style is urgent, interesting and passionate.
• He doesn’t use slides, he just talks.
• His material pushes your existing understanding and opens your mind. You go away thinking
  “Oh yeah, I never thought of it like that.”

Jeff Lucas

• Usually has an uncomplicated message.
• Is very funny, his use of stories draw the listener into the subject.
• Uses short vieo clips to reinforce his point, again drawing the listener into the story.
• He wraps the sermon with these stories and by the conclusion, which is usually quiet and serious, has everyones absolute attention.

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