Comments

I'm enjoying the way Comments on my Posts enhance, fill out and give perspective to the topics I raise in my Blog.  Because we have such insightful and articulate people who Comment, I've come to see my Posts as being merely thought-starters for a wider discussion.  By the time we move on to the next thread, I'm always richer for the perspectives raised in Comments.

Over the years, I've had similar thoughts about preaching.  Often one or two people will comment on a text or application after I have preached and I'd say, "I wish I knew that before I preached" or "That perspective would have really enriched my message". 

So I've toyed with the idea of collaborative preaching.  The concept would be to bring the text for the week before a group of people who would wrestle with how best to preach it in our local context.  Exegesis, links, illustrations, applications would be worked through by the group and then left for the designated preacher to weave together.  I expect this will enhance the message and also serve as a training ground for budding preachers.  We could collaborate on line but I think it may be best done face to face. 

So for those who live close to Canterbury, do you want to be part of such a group?  Let me know (and keep those comments flowing...).

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Comments

[Jon]

Definately!

[Stuart]

I would love the opportunity.

[Julia]

Sounds good David. I think that this is actually a very biblical approach as it was certainly a central part of rabbinic culture to toy with texts in groups of teachers. It makes me think of my favorite Jewish saying: "two rabbis, three opinions". I think it sums up the value of having different perspectives and sharing them together!

[beth]

What a strong expression this would be of our commitment to the Living Word and the priesthood of all believers. and an enactment of our faith in the Spirit of God to speak through the community. Who knows? such collaborative "text and context" wrestling may lead to other expressions (multimedia/actions/adventures/engagements/missions) beyond (dare I say it) mere preaching. Bring it on.

[Stephen]

Sounds like a great idea! Do you have any readings on this? It would fit with a paper I'm writing...

[Carol]

While I don't know that I'd dare be a part of a such a group (I may get roped into preaching and I don't know if I'm up to it!!!) but I think it sounds like a brilliant idea for CBC