1 THE PREACHING EVENT , by Dr.

John Claypool Word Books: Waco, Texas, 1980 A Book Review by Greg Thompson Claypools central idea: The preacher as Reconciler, Gift-giver, Witness and Nurturer. Preaching is having a part in the attempt at reconciling people with their maker. This is done by giving of ourselves, not to fulfill an ego need of the preacher. Also we tell the truth that we have learned through our growth. We share the truth with people at appropriate times for their growth. To do this is propagating the gospel authentically and effectively. This book reminded us of our main purpose in preaching: to be a part of reconciling people to God. Many things can side track preachers, for example, performance issues, pleasing the congregation and keeping your job to mention a few. Yet this is not our reason to speak. Claypool made a distinction between orator and preacher. The orator is trying to get people to do something. The preacher is trying to reconcile people to the creator. We are to try to reestablish trust between the creature and creator. It is inevitable that we will make mistakes and suffer hardships. Such is the nature of life. Claypool showed us how to use these inevitabilities as bridges to reach our congregation. Since we all have problems, preaching from our weaknesses makes our sermons more redemptive. By this he means using our experiences of grace and growth to illustrate truth. They can point people to God because they glorify God and not us. Also this confessional method insures that we will have an abundance of material from which to draw. Claypool told of how he used to preach from a condemnation standpoint. Yet, he found that he got no redemptive results. He found preaching out of his weakness to be more effective. His word for us concerning preaching is to speak as a hungry person that has found bread and is leading the hungry to it (D. T. Niles). One would not tell the hungry that they were stupid or wrong for being hungry. Telling someone they are wrong is certain to activate their rebellion

2 button. Judging from the pulpit is generally ill advised for most situations. I saw Claypool model his next suggestion personally. He asked all pastors to listen to their congregations. By this he meant to empty oneself of any internal distractions while listening to people talk. I heard Claypool speak at Mars Hill Baptist church in 1982. At the end of the service, he greeted the people as they left the sanctuary. Claypool took time to talk with each person as they left. It was not a casual conversing; he imparted a deep concern for every person that spoke to him. It made a positive impression on me then and now as I reflect on it. Out of this active listening to the congregation, the preacher will find ways to best lead his hungry flock to bread. Otherwise, the preacher might be speaking with no relevance to the congregation. Timing is important, in all things and preaching is no exception. The timing of certain messages can enhance their reception. Claypool recommends that all preachers be aware of the transitions that all people experience. This can provide some clues to timing for preaching. Also, this helps the preacher to be aware of his or her own life issues. We need to examine whether we are preaching to satisfy a need in us or giving a gift to the congregation. Satisfying an ego need, through preaching, will produce a shallow feeling in the minister and probably not help the congregation. Preaching out of love for God and

humanity will enhance any message. This advice is helpful for preparing oneself to preach and recharging stale preaching. I found the book very refreshing to read. It was not difficult or technical. Yet it had great depth and wisdom to offer the reader. It also provided a good model for ministry: serve out of your weakness and Gods grace. Preaching from a confessional perspective is faith engendering. Claypool mentioned the importance of observing the Lords Supper. I feel that it is sadly neglected in most Protestant churches. The early church fathers referred to it as the medicine

3 of immortality. Though he did not recommend that churches observe it more, I believe it would help the body of Christ. It is the gifts of God for the people of God. The lack of regular Eucharist could a reason for the spiritual hunger many people experience. I had trouble assimilating one of his statements. He said that we need to accept our acceptance from God. This acceptance is not related to anything we do or fail to do. I agree with this yet I have trouble accepting it. I, like Claypool, was raised the opposite way in that everything had to be earned. A person had to prove their worth. It is hard to break out of this mold. Society and some theologies reinforce this mind set. I wished that he had given some guidelines on exercising this foul demon. This hungry soul would have liked some bread in this area. I have used the confessional method and find it very effective. Some think it is not real preaching. Some enjoy being put down, a kind of sadomasochism dynamic between preacher and parishioner. I do not like this and have trouble supporting it. However, this is just my opinion. This book is certainly worth the time it takes to read it and will provide much help for years to come. It will easily stand the test of time.

John Claypool, The Preaching Event.. 136 pages