[Magdalen] Opinion sought

[Roger Stokes]

On 27/05/2019 22:24, Grace Cangialosi wrote:
> I’m curious about what folks think about a listing I saw recently for a church position. These were the things they were looking for in a priest. It’s a part-time position in a small rural church.
>
> Sermons should be informal, should not be read from notes and should not be preached from the pulpit, but from the floor.
This makes me think of the Corinthian church as commented on in 1 
Corinthians 3. They want sermons that are easily digestible from their 
friend at the front, not solid teaching to equip them as servants of 
Christ proclaiming the Gospel in their daily lives by their actions. I 
don't use notes in preaching but I have been doing it for a lot of 
years. When I was first ordained I had a full script. I would suggest 
that preaching without notes requires either the confidence that comes 
with experience or saying the same thing week after week.
> Sermons should usually follow the readings.
That I can accept - put them in context and give some exegesis as to 
what they meant to the people to whom they were originally addressed 
then apply that to the here and now.
> Sermons should not be political, nor should the congregation be lectured to.
Didn't Archbishop Tutu observe that when people criticise clergy for 
preaching politics he wonders what Bible they are reading? Politics is, 
by definition, about people and the Church is called to proclaim the 
Word of God to the current generation. The Gospel, which includes such 
things as care for others and promotion of the good for all people, do 
have political implications. these may not be popular with some but they 
are there.
> Sermons should be relevant to people’s lives and should preach the Gospel.
Doesn't that imply teaching people how the Gospel they say they accept 
should impact on their daily lives?
> Priest is not expected to visit, but should get to know parishioners and participate in community events the church is involved in. These include yard sales, fish fries, other charitable fund-raisers.
I admit I am not a fan of routine parish visiting. Visiting should have 
a purpose such as allowing soemone to express how they truly feel when 
they cannot say that to their friends of long-standing. Much pastoral 
care can be exercised by such friends from the church but the priest 
needs to know what is happening and have a general overview so they can 
spot any gaps that appear.
> There is one one-hour service on Sundays, no Christian education or formation.

Doesn't that say it all?

Roger