I take preaching seriously. It's weighty responsibility, and there's much at stake when a preacher stands and declares "Thus says the Lord." But sometimes, my words get tangled up, and I say something that evokes laughter rather than conviction.
I thought about this today when a friend sent me a link to a "You Tube" video of preacher who stumbles verbally when he tries to describe how Lot chose to "pitch his tents" near Sodom and Gomorrah. If you haven't seen this, go to the You Tube web-site and search on "pitch tent."
But back to my own verbal stumbling. One of my worst verbal mistakes took place a few years ago just as I ended a sermon on worship. I meant to close the sermon by asking the congregation: "Will you please bow down and worship with me?" Instead, I said: "Will you please bow down and worship me?" The congregation erupted in laughter. My next words were: "Oh no, let me try that again!" Thankfully, God was gracious. I did not get struck by lightening. But my congregation kidded me about this verbal mishap for weeks!
What's the worst verbal mistake you've made while preaching? I'd love to hear it. A little laughter is good medicine, even when it's at our expense. Yes, preaching is serious business. But we can never take ourselves too seriously!
Posted by Steve Mathewson at 3:55 PM on March 11, 2008
