I’ve never been a preacher, but I’ve done a lot of public speaking over the past 50 years, and I can tell you, it’s exhausting. I don’t know how preachers do it every week, sometimes delivering multiple sermons a day. And that’s just Sunday. During the week there are often smaller groups to address, committees to lead, funerals and weddings.
That’s a lot of talking. The kind of talking that wears you out. This may seem puzzling to those who don’t do it. What’s the big deal, you may wonder. It’s just standing and talking. What’s so physically demanding about that?
Far more than casual conversation
Well, preaching is not the same as casual conversation. We can sit and talk with friends for hours without much effort. Preaching to a congregation is different. It is emotional and passionate. You are projecting to an audience, the way an actor on a stage would emote. You are pushing your voice, driving home your points. You must bring energy to the podium. If you’re not excited about the message, the audience won’t be either.
And there is thinking. Intense, focused thinking. Your mind has to constantly be working one step ahead of your words. “What do I need to say next? Should I move on to the next point, or do I need to dwell a bit more on this one? How much time do I have left? Do I need to speed it up?”
Your body is amped up, your adrenaline flowing. You are throwing yourself into your discourse.
Pressure to deliver
Preachers might not admit it, but they must feel pressure. Pressure to deliver. After all, the congregation has come to church to be inspired. Maybe curious visitors are among the crowd. Pastors must feel the urgency to say the right things in the right way. No doubt they trust God to grant them wisdom and eloquence, but they still have to come through.
And when it’s over and folks file out of their seats and head out the door, preachers wonder, “Did I hit the mark? Did I make a difference?”
Our pastors and preachers have dedicated themselves to the service of Jesus Christ. But make no mistake, they still need a lot of good old human encouragement and love. Tell yours he’s doing a great job.
Preaching is exhausting, but they’ll never get tired of hearing a kind word.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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