As you are aware I typically preach a sermon series.  That means I have planned out the theme of the weekly sermon some weeks in advance.  But having planned a theme and focus Scripture is a long way from having a sermon.  I spend about 15 hours a week on shaping the sermon, culminating with my final work on Saturday night.  (Of course, Sunday morning finds me still making slight revisions!)  In writing a sermon I try to keep in mind the advice of Karl Barth, “preach with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”  I hope that what is said on Sunday, connects to Monday.

Sermon Preparation

Sermon preparation consists of a great deal of reading.  I usually draw the ideas behind my sermons from books I have read.  I consult various commentaries, read the words of great preachers, search the web for specific examples, look through a book of favorites quotes I keep, and digging in my library.  My background in academia and study as a literature major shapes my approach to writing.

One of the things about preaching…you never know how it will impact a congregation.  I am always amazed that while I have one message in mind, someone always gets a totally different message.  The Holy Spirit at work!  I have come to expect that one of you will see something I had never considered.

Once the sermon is formed, the Sunday service is planned.  My goal is to have the service planned by Wednesday morning so that Kelli has time to format it and print the bulletin.  In the writing or finding of prayers and liturgies, my hope is to reinforce the theme of the service.  Some weeks I do a better job than others.

Bible Study

Preparing for teaching Bible study consumes a great deal of my time.  Once again, in preparing to teach a study I consult commentaries, scholarly writings, various versions of the Bible, and do word studies.  I also try to get cultural background. I try to anticipate the questions that might be brought to the table.  If you look in my study, you will find dozens of leather covered notebooks with my hand written notes for each study I have taught.  For some reason, I prefer my hand written notes to typed.  I estimate that I spend about 4 hours in preparation for each hour of teaching.

I believe in the importance of small groups.  To that end, I have a small group of eight clergy.  Our meetings are 2-2.5 hours.  We study a book on theology, pray and of course share what it is going on in our congregations.  We have been meeting for 16 years. Currently I am taking a course on the Old Testament taught by a Roberts Wesleyan professor. She is making connections and seeing things I would have never seen on my own.

My Favorite Part of the Week

Perhaps my favorite part of the week is the drop-in visitor.  So many of you stop by to chat, ask questions, and share your story.  The more visitors I have, the happier I am.

Other Responsibilities

Each week I spend time on my responsibilities with the District and Annual Conference.  I serve on various committees.  For instance, I serve as registrar for the District Committee on Ministry, the board that examines ministerial candidates.  You don’t become a local pastor or elder without approval of the District Committee on Ministry.

Phone calls and writing notes take up a portion of my week as well.  And of course, there are the meetings, and the various administrative tasks associated with the proper functioning of a church.

One of the things I like about this job…each day is different.

Peace,

Pastor Hoyt