Thomas Long has a suggestion for those of us who preach to plural congregations - those with many different little groups in them. He bases his comments on a practice of St. Augustine, who would address groups of people at different points of discipleship formation. Augustine might say something like, "this next part is for the baptized (or is not for those baptized)."
By directing portions of his preaching to specific groups, he is able, suggests Long, to disarm those who might otherwise say, "he's not talking to me."
In my context, it might look like the challenge of saying, "This next part is particularly addressed to college students. The rest of you are welcome to listen in, but I need to talk specifically to our students." I could do the same thing with International people, senior citizens, etc.
Let's remember that even in a small congregation, there are people dealing with issues such as going to a nursing home, or facing a surgery. Preaching may need to speak to these issues, trusting that other people may one day benefit from having listened in.
Check it out: http://www.workingpreacher.org/preachingmoments.aspx?video_id=30
By directing portions of his preaching to specific groups, he is able, suggests Long, to disarm those who might otherwise say, "he's not talking to me."
In my context, it might look like the challenge of saying, "This next part is particularly addressed to college students. The rest of you are welcome to listen in, but I need to talk specifically to our students." I could do the same thing with International people, senior citizens, etc.
Let's remember that even in a small congregation, there are people dealing with issues such as going to a nursing home, or facing a surgery. Preaching may need to speak to these issues, trusting that other people may one day benefit from having listened in.
Check it out: http://www.workingpreacher.org/preachingmoments.aspx?video_id=30
