I am not sure about you but when I preach there are two things that are happening at once. I am concentrating the physical act of speaking in front of people and trying to make sense but then there is the inner dialogue that is happening too. I usually have a conversation with myself in my own brain while I am preaching.
I know I am not alone…at least I pray I’m not. I feel confident that I am not. Moving on.
I decided to make list of the ten common thoughts that go on in my head while preaching … please feel free to add your own in the comments.
- I hope they are looking at the Bible on their phones.
- Did I pronounce that right…oh well, just go with it and move on.
- Where was I?
- Am I saying “um” too much?
- Is it hot/cold in here?
- ________ is sleeping again.
- Is anyone hearing what I am saying?
- ________ is giving me good energy and eye sight, THANK YOU!
- We are going to run over…where can I trim a little on the fly?
- Was that the Holy Spirit talking right there?
The Rev. Jim Parsons serves as pastor at Indian Trail (NC) United Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference. He blogs at Adventures in Revland.