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Common Mistakes

Notes by John Roxborogh

Attempting to say too much. One thoughtful point actually makes quite a good spiritual meal.

Trying to do it like somebody else who does it all the time. We can all learn from one another, but copying someone else seldom works. A congregation will expect you to be you, to do your best, and to link the readings of the day to ordinary life. Leave the Greek and Hebrew and heavy duty theology to those who have made it their thing. They will draw things out of the Bible you will not, but you will probably be able to connect the Bible to the life of the congregation in ways they may find difficult.

Using members of your family, or pastoral conversations, as sermon illustrations. If your children, or something somebody told you, tempts you with a wonderful illustration, by all means use the idea, but do not use the illustration.

Making assumptions and generalisations that are not actually true if you think about it. Comments about how well off we are this country may be true at a general level, and yet quite untrue for numbers of people in the congregation. "Some of us" "Many of us" allows room for those who do not fit the generalisation. The idea that "God has no hands but our hands" is not actually correct.

Seeing this as an opportunity to straighten everybody out. A sense of occasion is a priceless gift. If you have one you will know when this is not your role.

Assuming the gospel has never been preached here before.

Asking personal questions and then making it worse by not giving people space to process them and take them seriously. It is impertinent. It also makes people wonder if you have thought about the question yourself.

Assuming that people agree with your views about what is right and wrong from a Christian point of view.

Not having the faith that God can use you as you are.