“You talk at an audience, but you talk with people.” (Quote from The Dancing King by Glynn Young-p.131). I’m going to continue with my thoughts that The Dancing King spurred within me as I finished my reread of Book #3 in the series of 5.
Interviewing for a job with the king, Jay said the preceding quote to King Michael. Previous to that quote, Jay said this: “What struck me (after listening to Michael preach) about all of this is that you’re not a brand, but a person, a breathing, living person, and that comes through clearly in the videos and interview, but especially in the sermons. And from what I could tell, you want to talk with people, not communicate at them. Most communications people think of everyone as an audience, and I hate that. You talk at an audience, but you talk with people. And it seems to me that everything I’ve seen and read about you suggests that you want to talk with people.” (pp.130-131)
As a pastor, as a speaker, that statement hit the nail on the head. I honestly don’t care about branding (whatever that is and entails). I sincerely pray each Sunday that I am not in the pulpit to impress people or to WOW people. (I surely fail in that). What I do want to do is plainly and clearly present the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and His love for each and every one of us. To borrow another quote from the book: “God does not ask me to campaign for social justice. He does not ask me to promote cultural pluralism. He does not tell me to promote inclusiveness as the only virtue left in a country that seems to have been stripped bare of its moral virtues (Note: he was speaking of the UK in the book but…). And he does not ask me to promote tolerance, because he knows that my efforts to promote tolerance will actually create intolerance.” (p.330). And then the coup de grace: “He simply says, find the lost. Serve my people. Preach the gospel. Feed my sheep. Tend to my lambs. Disciple my flock. Watch over my people. Love them as you would love yourself. Love me with all your heart, and soul, and mind. Worship me, your Lord God, and not the false idols you have set up on the altars of your heart.” (p.330)
I was strangely challenged to take stock of my preaching and my love for the people of the church God has asked me to pastor after I read that. I wore a t-shirt Sunday that said, “This Pastor has an awesome congregation.” I firmly believe that. I want to be nowhere else and have no desire to be a mega church pastor. My heart is here. I am blessed with people who love me and have loved me for over 19 years. And I thank God He has allowed me to love them back.
So ends my comments on Book #3. I suggest you read the books for yourself. 🙂
Heartfelt preaching is not the same as lecturing. Dick always “shared” the message God talked to him about each week. We are so thankful to have been led to a church where the pastor is truly sharing his heart and not teaching a college level religion class.
I love hearing that Pam! What great words from your heart.
Bill, Knowing your heart and knowing your personality, you have a desire to know everyone that attends OVCF. You want to know them personally, not casually. You experience life with them. I never felt like you were doing what you were doing for fame, recognition, or atta-boys. Keep your focus on what God’s focus is and you’ll hit the target every time.
Thanks Ryan. I am humbled you said this. There might even be little droplets in my eyes. 🙂 Your words mean so much to me.
As a speechwriter for most of my career, the word “audience” was always a bone of contention with work colleagues, our PR departments, and even other speechwriters. In short, I didn’t like it; it objectified the people who attended to a speech. Audiences watch movies or television programs. The character of Jay Lanham is my idealized version of what a PR person should be.
And IMHO Glynn, you did a fantastic job “making” him. I would want someone like him on my team as well.
It is all about conversation and meeting people where they are, Bill. Such a great reminder to be true to God’s Word and staying on Christ’s mission to love and serve.
Blessings!
Good way to put it Martha.
Bill I have always felt that your preaching was coming from the heart with a true desire to preach God’s word and the truth, not compromise the truth of God’s word. I do feel like you and Ryan both do love our church family, and I hope you feel the love back as well.
Thanks Gail. And yes, I do feel that love back. Each and every day.