A reflection by Julie Davies

Living with the Sermon. Signposts on the Footpath of Preaching by Robert P. Hoch-Yidokodiltona

I was tasked with reviewing a book for my Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher (AALP) course and I thought it would be good to share my thoughts.

This book immediately captured my attention through its striking front cover and the compelling description on the back page. Its aim is to offer “a taste for the fun, life and mystery of preaching” by “drawing pictures with words” an intention that is clearly reflected throughout. The book is structured into three sections – Callings, Tinkering, and Community. The use of everyday stories is particularly effective, helping to ground theological reflection in relatable experience.

One of the most thought-provoking themes is the question of why individuals move from the pew to the pulpit. The author asks whether people respond to the call to preach because of their abilities or because they are “captive to a call and perhaps crippling vocation”. This prompted me to reflect on my own journey into lay ministry and my decision to undertake the AALP course. The author’s desire to understand the process for delivering a sermon and to integrate faith into everyday life resonated strongly. While I believe preaching can be taught, I continue to question whether being truly ‘called’ by God leads to a deeper level of commitment and interpretation. Perhaps preaching is both a gift and a skill, requiring vocation as well as learning.

A second key theme is the importance of constructing a sermon that resonates with its audience. The author presents sermon preparation as a journey requiring time, planning, reflection, and, importantly, a clear objective. Preparation may be a long, reflective process or a shorter, more immediate response to current circumstances, but in both cases, the message must remain purposeful and relevant.

The author also emphasises flexibility within this process. It is acceptable to change direction as ideas develop, and draft material should not be discarded too quickly, as it may prove useful in the future. This encouraged me to reflect on the structure of worship within the URC, where the order of service carries both theological and practical significance. A sermon should not stand alone but must align with the wider service and seasonal themes. It should not only inform but also encourage listeners to reflect, question, and grow in their own faith.

A particularly valuable insight is the emphasis on storytelling. Stories often remain with listeners longer than abstract theological language, reflecting the example of Jesus, who taught through parables.

This raises an important question: if Jesus had relied solely on direct teaching, would his message have endured so powerfully?

A Prayer for those leading worship or taking part in Worship

Gracious and loving God, we come before You with humble hearts, asking Your presence to rest upon all who lead and take part in worship and that Your Holy Spirit be among us as we share Your word. 

Guide our thoughts, words, and actions, that everything offered may be pleasing to You. We ask that You remove any distractions or impurities that might hinder the message of worship.

For those who lead worship, grant wisdom, clarity, and a spirit of servanthood. May we not seek attention for ourselves but gently draw others closer to You. Fill us with courage where there is doubt, and peace where there is pressure.

For those who participate, open our hearts to receive and respond. Let every voice raised, every prayer spoken, and every moment of silence be shaped by Your Spirit.

Unite all who gather in worship with a shared purpose—to honour You and to grow in love, grace, and truth. Remove distractions, soften hardened places, and renew weary souls.

We ask that our time of worship be a pure offering, drawing others into Your divine presence.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.