Here are some basics about Gardner Taylor: he was born in Louisiana, son of a Baptist pastor and a school teaching mother, but he became famous during a 41-year pastorate at Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
The old KJV translated what God gave some of the Minor Prophets as a “burden.” Newer translations refer to it as an “oracle.” I’ll leave the lexical issues to the pros, but preaching always carries a burden with it - as does all pastoral ministry.
My congregation would testify to this about my preaching after the loss of our 18 month old son in April 2007. There was a poignancy and urgency that wasn't there prior to that and could only come through grief, struggle, and pain. They would say things like, "When you preach on God's sovereignty or God's goodness or on living life in this broken world, we know you are pointing us to a reality of Jesus that you have actually experienced."
Thank you for the book recommendation - what an inspiring opening chapter about preaching through pain. I found a lot of hope in these pages, but also an uneasiness. I do recognize the authenticity in my preaching that has grown from seasons of pain and loss, and yet I resonated with the author's assertion that many desire an effective pulpit ministry and yet would prefer not to endure the pain that is necessary to get there.
Truly, I really admire him for his preaching power and know how. I truly believe that the world needs spiritual leaders like him and Pastor Keion Henderson, https://www.keionhenderson.com/about-us/ to really bring people back to God and live by His love and really spread His message of Salvation!
The old KJV translated what God gave some of the Minor Prophets as a “burden.” Newer translations refer to it as an “oracle.” I’ll leave the lexical issues to the pros, but preaching always carries a burden with it - as does all pastoral ministry.
My congregation would testify to this about my preaching after the loss of our 18 month old son in April 2007. There was a poignancy and urgency that wasn't there prior to that and could only come through grief, struggle, and pain. They would say things like, "When you preach on God's sovereignty or God's goodness or on living life in this broken world, we know you are pointing us to a reality of Jesus that you have actually experienced."
This is great stuff. I cannot wait to get into the book myself. Is there a reading schedule you are following?
Every Thursday for five more weeks; I forgot last week so I did one this week on Monday. Next week Thursday is #2.
Ok. A chapter a week I assume.
Yes
Thank you for the book recommendation - what an inspiring opening chapter about preaching through pain. I found a lot of hope in these pages, but also an uneasiness. I do recognize the authenticity in my preaching that has grown from seasons of pain and loss, and yet I resonated with the author's assertion that many desire an effective pulpit ministry and yet would prefer not to endure the pain that is necessary to get there.
Truly, I really admire him for his preaching power and know how. I truly believe that the world needs spiritual leaders like him and Pastor Keion Henderson, https://www.keionhenderson.com/about-us/ to really bring people back to God and live by His love and really spread His message of Salvation!