Sermon Notes & Servant Event Requirements

Our FINK buddy Mike from Irvine asks a question that we get at FINK from time to time:

Rich,

Your reader's digest version of whether you think sermon notes, service points should be required of Confirmation students? I've kind of inherited a model that would say that this is important but my young intern is questioning whether this should be the case..i can't say i disagree but want some ammo to bring to the Senior Pastor who will need some convincing...

My thoughts are that within FINK, coming to church and service are part of the small group bonding..if it becomes a fun experience it will certainly be a lot more lasting than a requirement, which is rarely fulfilled nor does it bear much fruit..i've seen some of the sermon notes..can't believe it was my sermon they were taking notes on!

Any reflections from you guys would be much appreciated!

thanks, Mike

 

I had to let this one soak in for a couple days. Here’s my answer to Mike, you, your Christian ed board, and anyone who cares:

I. Servant Events

Before one decides on the course of action to take in any important endeavor, one must first ask the question:

“What do we want to accomplish?”

With Servant Events, if the point is bonding living cells in the body of Christ, that’s one thing.

If it is to put numbers on a chart, that’s something else.

If it is to create a joyful servant of Christ who has tasted the beauty and value of a life of servanthood with friends – a life that they want to continue beyond the requirements – that’s one thing.

If it is fulfilling a requirement, that’s something else.

I suggest that each group does a servant event once a month with their friends, and together they fill out a simple half pager to clarify their project. Then, if you want maximum bang for the buck, have them do an oral report to the whole group (or a “temple talk” to the whole church in worship - with video and powerpoint photos if you’re so technically inclined:

This “offering that doesn’t fit in the plate could enliven the whole church to acts of servanthood, and help the kids see the value of their work even more.

 Simply tell the world:

1. What did we choose as our servant event?

2. Why did we choose it (what was the need)?

3. What did we give?

4. What did we receive?

5. What would we tell others who might want to do this kind of event? (What should I know?                 Who should I contact? etc.)

 

II. Sermon Notes

Again, with any significant endeavor, one must first ask the question:

“What do we want to accomplish?” (You get the picture)

With sermon notes, if the point is to simply take role and get kids to show up for worship, that’s one thing.

If it is to help young people focus, learn to listen to what God may be saying to help them live their lives in a Christly fashion, that’s something else.

If it is to fulfill a certain number of requirements with checks on a chart, that’s one thing.

If it is to create a disciple of Christ who is hungry to gather with the faithful, hear the Word and share the supper to be strengthened and informed for life, that’s something else.

I would suggest that children worship with their parents first – or sit with their small group Guide and other friends if their parents don’t worship. If you want proof that they’re listening and connecting, I would simplify the sermon note to two basic questions:

1. What was the preacher trying to      say today?

and

2. Why should I care? (Or, if that’s      too crass… “How do I apply it to my life?”)

Now here’s the caveat – make the parents fill out the same form, then let them compare their notes and make one uber note that they both sign.

Then bring the notes to confirmation each week and let the small groups discuss what each family wrote, and hand in an uber uber note. That way, even the kids who didn’t get to worship will get something out of the sermon.

One other thing: If they can’t answer the first question on a regular basis, maybe you need better preaching. If they can’t answer the second question on a regular basis, maybe you need much better preaching. I dare you to make the preacher read these notes every week. It could be brutal and painful, but therein lies growth.

One other other thing: Make the church council fill out these notes and take them home to Sunday dinner for one month.

One other other other thing: A month later, make the WHOLE CONGREGATION do the same and use it as a month’s worth of adult ed – teaching them all how to focus on the proclamation.

Gerhard Frost once said, “If you can’t say it simply, either you don’t understand it or you don’t believe it.”

Tell the kids they aren’t here to listen. They aren’t filling out these forms to get checks on a sheet. They are there to make your preacher a better preacher.

(-;

Rich

 

Comments

[Becky Fox]

Good Morning, Rich!
I check your blog ...... today's was great regarding sermons. Pastor Steve at our church gives great sermons that many times deserve applause, but many people in the congregation (young and old) aren't listening as they should. I'm going to forward today's blog to our youth director and Pastor Steve and see what response I get.

Keep going, brother!!
Love and blessing,
Becky