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Candidating Sermon

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Greektim, Aug 22, 2015.

  1. Greektim

    Greektim Well-Known Member

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    Any suggestions and/or advice for preaching a sermon to candidate at a church?

    I would love to hear advice from both pastors AND lay-people in the church and what they would look for.
     
  2. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    The last time I was a candidate I preached this text.

    Habakkuk 2:1-3 NAS77
    1 I WILL stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.
    2 Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.
    3 "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.​

    I lost the notes in a house fire a few years back but I spoke about the real expectations of the man they would call to be their pastor. I received 100% of the vote and by Month 11 they couldn't get rid of me fast enough. :tongue3:

    Apparently they really did want someone with a wife that played the piano or they were amazed that someone actually preached from Habakkuk.
     
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  3. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    I would stick with a purely evangelistic message. Do not bring a message with an agenda related to your candidating it may come off wrong. Preach the gospel.
     
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  4. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    The old advice would be to preach a "candy stick" that you've preached well at other places, but I think it would be far better to just preach the Word and leave your vision for leadership and the church to another venue.

    You want them to know what and how you would preach on a Sunday to Sunday basis.

    When are you preaching? Let us know how we can pray for you.
     
  5. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    Do the homework, do your best, take all advice and consider it, but mostly let the Spirit do His work.

    Years ago I was asked to fill the pulpit at a small town church, did it, preached on I remember not what and went home. Three weeks later the church called and told me that they had three men preach and they wanted me to consider being their interim. Turned out that we were there for over a year.

    Had no idea they were considering me for anything - and I knew the other men and both I would consider far better preachers :) The Lord knows what He is doing, let Him guide you ultimately! Kinda figure you already had that in mind :)
     
    #5 exscentric, Aug 22, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 22, 2015
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  6. SovereignGrace

    SovereignGrace Well-Known Member
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    In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.[2 Tim. 4:1,2]
     
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  7. Jordan Kurecki

    Jordan Kurecki Well-Known Member
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    The Sufficiency of Jesus.
     
  8. Marooncat79

    Marooncat79 Well-Known Member
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    Great point Jordan
     
  9. Br. Dan

    Br. Dan Member

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    I realize this is a stale thread, but I've not been on here in some time. I would like to agree with this statement. Having been on both sides of the pulpit, in my opinion, this is the best course for you and them. Let them know what they can expect Sunday after Sunday; which will hopefully minimize any great expectations and alleviate disappointment.
     
  10. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    We had a candidate at our church many years ago. He said, I dont know if this is my best message or not, but I know it is the one the Lord wants me to preach!

    Whenever I have been a candidate - I have followed that advice.
     
  11. AVL1984

    AVL1984 <img src=../ubb/avl1984.jpg>

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    I've filled in for many pastors who have been out of town, etc., and I've found that preaching about the grace of God in our lives never fails. It seems that the Lord always leads me to a sermon that is about His leading in our lives and our privilege to be His. I've been a candidate at three different churches over the years and there's only one church that I wasn't asked back to preach at later on.
     
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