End of Week One...on to week two

Week one is over and Core III is behind us, at least in the sense of attending a class. It has been an interesting journey into the heart of seeing the sermon as a tool for social transformation. It has been an interesting week in relation to my own understanding of the power of the sermon. I've known for sometime that I have a high theology of preaching, yet this last week I've come to realize that my theology of preaching is very, very high. I truly and absolutely believe that the sermon can and does change both peoples lives and thus through the the social reality that we live in as a community. In other words the sermon can and does change the world. The power of the preached word is such that it transcends who I am and who those are who hear it to the place where it can fundamentally transform who we are and how we live out our lives each and every day. Such is the power of the preached word that is mediated by the Spirit once it leaves our lips. Yes it takes a lot or preparation. Yes it takes hours of pouring over scripture and praying endlessly. Of delving deep into the traditions greatest and best literature of linking yourself to centuries of tradition. It is a deep vocation to a willingness to put the the Word, life and God together in a way that always keeps us expanding and how I reflect critically on what God is doing. After week one I've had the opportunity to rekindle my love of preaching and my deep commitment to master it as best I can as a preacher. What an amazing and powerful place this program is and I need to say thank-you to every person who's enabled me to be here, 'cause I'm sure I'm not here on my own.