Comments on: Learning to be Yourself as a Preacher: From One Still Trying to Do Just That

By: Cal Ter Haar

Cal Ter Haar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:53:13 +0000

I probably heard your first sermon during a Youth Service. That sermon was left many of us knowing what your calling was!!

By: Katie Young

Katie Young — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:15:09 +0000

Glad we moved here during the time of your last 50 sermons!

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:35 +0000

Ummmm….that should of course be “just fine” in my last sentence above…

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:48:40 +0000

Hey, this is great. I did go and read the whole article, but chose to comment here. I know EXACTLY what you’re describing. I’m 39 and have been preaching/teaching for about 15 years. I shudder when I think of what (or who) I sounded like ten years ago. I’m much more comfortable with my own “voice” nowadays, and often chuckle to myself after completing a set of notes for a message, thinking of the failing grade they would have received in my Hom. class.

Without a doubt, I’ve been influenced by others, and have retained some of their color and flavor, but only because it’s become a part of who I am. And that’s just find – people know when the preacher is acting like someone else

By: Hayden

Hayden — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:55:37 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement! I am only 1 year into the ministry the Lord has given me and am working on this same thing. My problem is that far too often people expect me to be like MacArthur (I graduated from The Master’s Seminary) or Lawson (the person whose ministry I was saved under).

Thanks for the reminder.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:47:23 +0000

Kevin,
What an important topic for a post. I resonate. I think it took me fewer sermons to “find my voice” (and I think I have . . .), but that may have something to do with being just a few years older, not having an evening service. I would guesstimate it took me at least the first 5 years of pulpit ministry before I could go from listening to one of my great mentors (on CD or at a conference) and still return to my own church and preach in my own voice. Maybe it takes 4 or 5 years to find that voice, and another year or two to retain it consistently.

By: Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:29:41 +0000

Good to hear from you Nate. That was a fun trip. I also remember getting scolded by the men at the mission for not painting their hallway very well. Probably well-deserved.

By: N Doorlag

N Doorlag — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:48:34 +0000

I don’t remember too many things about the Denver mission trip back in ‘98, but I do remember you reading Calvin’s Institutes by flashlight in the church meeting room the whole group was dorming in. And preaching at the Rescue Mission – finding your voice.
Oh college…

By: ValleyGirl

ValleyGirl — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:52:02 +0000

I love the mention of your cousin, his t-shirt, and the fact HE had a girlfriend in college! Made me laugh out loud.

Great article. You’re so right and I think as parishioners, we have greater respect, too, for preachers who are comfortable in their own skin; who simply preach from their hearts. Whose passion comes not from which great teachers, preachers, and expositors they study, but from the work of the Holy Spirit.