Lectio on Life: Four Steps to Writing a Topical Sermon
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Sometimes we just gotta say it.
Sometimes we have to address the topic of the day:
a sudden turn of events for the congregation
a tragedy
a cry for social justice
a natural disaster
the "elephant in the room"
How do we find a message for a topical sermon?
One way is to rely on Lectio Divina.
Backstory Preaching teaches preachers how to use Lectio Divina to discern a sermon message starting with a bible text.
We can also use the same process starting with a topic.
It's praying Lectio Divina on life.
Step One. Lectio
Goal: See the topic anew
First, look at the topic as it affects real people.
Whether this is a topic that affects just your congregation or local situation, or is a big, gnarly topic of social justice, it's always personal.
Whom does the issue affect?
Second, consider these people.
What's the story?
Define it, describe it, look at it from all angles.
Draw pictures, look at multiple news accounts online.
As much as you can, be as dispassionate as possible.
Gather the facts.
Be literal, objective, and chronological: What happened?
Step Two: MediTatio
Goal: Make meaning of the event
Where is God?
That's the "Big Question" everyone wants to know.
Where is God in this event?
Consider the bible as a while to search for commonalities between it and today’s event, or the emotions or human condition both reveal.
In addition, consider related historical events.
With the advantage of hindsight we can see where God was in a previous event which may shed light on where God is now.
For preachers who rely on the lectionary, is there an obvious connection?
If not, don't overlook the psalms!
There's so much emotion and raw humanity in the psalms, the selected psalm of the day might be the place to find an authentic link.
Is there a theological theme, or a character or tribe who experienced something similar?
Or maybe there's more to the story elsewhere in the lectionary.
That is, maybe there's more to the story of a battle, quarrel, or God protecting the meek that the lectionary committee left off only because the reading would be too long.
Can the "more to the story" be the tie that binds the text with today’s event?
If there isn’t an easy connection between the lectionary and the topic, there are at least three choices:
Follow protocol to ask permission to substitute the readings for the day.
In the sermon, name the fact that the lectionary doesn't apply directly to the topic we feel called to address, but is addressed in another passage (and then read it).
Read a different Scripture text and ignore the lectionary altogether. I don't suggest this lightly or that it be done often. Pray, discern, talk this idea over with a preaching friend, and in the end. trust the Spirit to say what needs to be said.
For all preachers, ask where is God in the selected passage?
What is the Good News?
Where is the Holy?
Where do we experience God here?
Name it.
That’s the meaning we’re searching for. That's the sermon message.
Step 3: Oratio
Goal: Make meaning for others
The question on everyone's mind is, "Where is God?"
Lead them to the Holy One.
For example, we might describe the apparent "impossibility" of finding God in this situation.
God is "hidden," "absent," "bewildering."
And yet, of course, we know God is there because there is no where God is not.
If God is in Sheol, God is also here.
Lead them to God along the same path where we found God.
What clues did we find?
What mention in Scripture?
What reference in history led us down the path until we found God?
What do we need our listeners to know?
What is God's promise and hope for them, and how can they recognize God in the here and now as we do?
Step 4: Contemplatio
Goal: Let it be
Topical sermons may be tough on you and everyone because of their impact.
Build in self-care, prayer, and respite before and after the sermon.
Lie in a hammock and stare at the sky, or on your bed and stare at the ceiling.
Ask God to be with you.
Afterwards, invite preaching colleagues or candid loved ones to listen to the recording and ask for specific feedback.
Finally, entrust the message to God who always has the last word.
No word we speak is its own end.
We did our work faithfully.
Let the words melt into God's grace who brings all things to their completion.
If you’re looking for additional help on the subject of topical sermons,
Ronald J. Allen can't be beat with the aptly named book:
Preaching the Topical Sermon
(Louisville: John Knox Press, 1992).
Professor Allen helps us preach when the bible doesn't specifically address the issues of the day and when we aren't sure whether a "topical" sermon is the right call. This book also gives plenty of practical advice for topical sermon approaches.
Finish your sermon by Friday.