Principles of Biblical Homiletics...

PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HOMILETICS

Bishop Dr Sammy Gitari Gospel  Celebration Church -  delivered at ILUAA Seminar on 27/10/2018

INTRODUCTION

The assumption in biblical Homiletics is that the learner desires to preach and has the requisite character and passion for ministry. Without character there is no trust or credibility.

Secondly, the preacher should have a working relationship with the Holy Spirit. A preacher is not a Lecturer or motivational preacher. He is a teacher of the word of God.

Thirdly, the preacher must have a message from God. Never preach if you have no message. Cut out the slang and hype. Deliver what God has laid in your heart. The preacher must sweat in private before proclaiming the message publicly.

There two important things necessary for preaching.

1) We must preach biblical doctrine. Congregations grow on doctrine which is foundational to holistic spiritual development. We should be new covenant preachers who proclaim the new dispensation of grace. Be a gospel preacher, the good news about the cross. In the Old Testament Christ was concealed, in the New Testament He was revealed.

A good preacher should also be knowledgeable. He should read widely and not just study Scripture alone.

SERMON PRESENTATION

Here we assume that the preacher has a sermon worth presenting. Write your sermon. Do not spiritualize everything but be concise.

This message should be presented to the audience.

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE SERMON DELIVERY

1) WRITE AND REHEARSE THE SERMON.

i) Write and read the sermon several times until it sinks into your mind.

ii) Practice the message. Do it privately and build your confidence preferably before a mirror! You may also record it and listen to it. You will note some corrections. This again builds confidence.

2) PROPER DRESSING

Choose appropriate dressing. Groom yourself well before facing an audience. Dressing appropriately attracts attention. Put on perfume and maintain mouth hygiene.

Does God care about how we dress? Yes he does. Exodus 22:2-3. In the New Testament Scripture we learn that we are priests unto God.

Tips for dressing:

i) Match the dressing for the occasion.

ii) clothes should be reflective of your calling

iii) Watch the cultural perceptions on dressing.

iv) Avoid rainbow dressing which are a mismatch.

v) Keep the clothes ironed and neat. The messenger should not destroy the message!

vi) Keep excessive things from the pockets.

vii) Carry a clean handkerchief!

3) USE VOICE CONTROL

Learn to use your voice properly.

i) Avoid a hoarse voice when soft speaking would do.

ii) Observe good pronunciation. Be clear with the words you use to avoid ambiguity. Avoid theological jargon in your preaching.

iii) Be audible.

iv) Vary your voice appropriately. Jomo Kenyatta was known for employing this technique.

v) Learn to pause. This draws attention. It also builds suspense and anticipation.

vi) Do not scream or shout at the audience.

4) USE GESTURE AND BODY LANGUAGE

Learn to use gestures and body movement. It is estimated that there are 700,000 body movements that communicate effectively. Stop preaching if the people are asleep  wake them up. The hand is 20,000 times more useful than the mouth!
Avoid drama on the podium. Do not make theatrics.

5) MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT.

Use eye contact to communicate. Never look at the roof or look down when preaching. The audience may imagine that you are lying!

6) ENGAGE HUMOUR.

Learn to use humour in your presentation. One preacher said that if they can smile back as you skin them, they will follow you to the tannery!

Don't engage fun on every occasion. Some occasions are unsuitable for humor. Be sure that an interpreter is properly communicating the message and should not engage his own humor.

Do not engage humor which may ruin the dignity of the message. Avoid sarcasm especially on people. It may offend. Don't use a joke that is not appropriate.

7) EMPLOY CHARISMA

Have charisma in your preaching. Raila and DP Ruto are charismatic people. He moves crowds. This is the ability to persuade people and lead them along a certain direction.

How to employ Charisma:

i) Know your message well. This makes you believable.

ii) Allow the Holy Spirit to give you the umph, the energy and charisma for driving the message.

8) PREACHING STYLE

Develop a style that suits you. Do not be a copycat who apes popular preachers in speaking style and dressing! Be yourself. Be authentic and original.