Page 3 - Presbyterian Connection, Spring 2024

presbyterian.ca
SPRING 2024
Connection
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
PRESBYTERIAN
3
Connection
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Why We Worship As We Do: Preaching of the Word, part 2
PRESBYTERIAN
By the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary
Question 35 of the Larger Cat- echism says, “[The] covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments...; in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and ef- ficacy, to all nations.”
St. Augustine said it was the duty of interpreters and teachers of scripture “...to teach what is right and to refute what is wrong, and in the performance of this task to conciliate the hostile, to rouse the careless, and to tell the ignorant both what is occurring at present and what is probable in the future” (St. Augustine, On Christian Doctrine).
Preaching has been a con- sistent feature of Christian wor- ship from the earliest days of the church; it’s a gift we receive from our Jewish heritage. Over time, the sermon has been in different places in the order of service. Sometimes the sermon is in the middle of the service, while at other times and places it was nearly the last thing done in worship. Preachers alone are responsible for selecting the pas- sages they preach from. In the past, some preachers followed John Calvin’s custom of preach- ing and proceeded sequentially through a single book of the Bible from beginning to end over many Sundays. Some Presbyterian ministers chose readings that ad-
dressed emergent circumstances affecting the congregation. More recently, many preachers opt to use a rotation of readings called the lectionary, which provides at least four readings a Sunday over a three-year period.
In Together in Ministry: The Theology and Practice of Minis- try in The Presbyterian Church in Canada (p. 55) it says that:
“Preaching is the act of pro- claiming the gospel with all its words of judgement and of grace.
This is done through explaining the biblical narrative, reflecting on what it means in biblical and the- ological terms, and pointing the listeners to connections between their lives and the biblical text. Classic Presbyterian sermons contained three basic elements:
“1. ‘Opening’ or understanding the biblical text itself. What are the contextual, linguistic and interpre- tive features that are essential for understanding the text? It is im- portant to note that Presbyterian
preaching has always been root- ed in an exposition of scripture.
“2. ‘Dividing’ or theologically reflecting on the text. Where does it fit into the larger doctrine and understanding of Christian faith?
“3. ‘Application’ or ‘uses’ of the text. What does the text have to say for us today? Application was the most important part and, as can be expected, the most con- troversial depending on how the preacher was applying the text and its teaching to the particulars of his/her time and place. But ap- plication was also the climax of the sermon, without which no sermon was complete.”
But the responsibility for effec- tive preaching and teaching does not belong solely to the preacher. Question 160 of the Larger Cat- echism asks: “What is required of those that hear the Word preached? Answer: It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine: What they hear by the scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meek- ness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.”
PULPIT VACANCY
WORK, PLAY & PRAY
IN ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND
The congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in historic St. John’s, Newfoundland, is seeking a passionate and inspiring leader. Our church is in the heart of the city—one of the most scenic and culturally diverse places in the world! Our city and province are ideal for people that love the land and sea, with urban and wilderness hiking trails, spectacular coastal walks, icebergs and whales, all accessible within minutes of the city.
Learn more at: presbyterian.ca/pulpit-vacancy-st-johns
or email the Rev. David Sturtevant at rev.sturtevant@gmail.com