A Theology of Preaching in Ten Words or Less

In the Presbyterian Church (USA), a part of the process of seeking a call (in layman's terms--ministers looking for a job), part of the process is the candidate preaching a sermon in a "neutral pulpit." It's not preached at the chruch the candidate presently serves and it's not preached at the church seeking to call the candidate.

One day, as this was being explained to a congregation that would supply the "neutral pulpit" for a church and candidate, the man on the right of this picture, the Rev. Dr. Stan Hall, whispered in a voice that makes mine seem like a refugee from a boy's choir, "There is no such thing as a neutral pulpit."

The seminarians sittng around him, including me, fought to stifle a laugh. The pastor, who just happened to be Stan's wife Gail, said "It appears Dr. Hall has something to say about this." After chruch, Gail gave Marie (my wife) permission to hit Stan if he acts up again.

Still, after several classes in Homiletics, the study of Christian proclamation, I have not found a better or more consise theology of preaching.

"There is no such thing as a neutral pulpit."

Stan died about a year ago. God bless Stan. Go with God. Thanks for everything.