checklist for itinerant preaching
Itinerant preaching is tough. For a novice like me, I prefer to know the peripherals beforehand so I can concentrate on delivering God’s word in a context where you don’t know the people. But invariably I forget to check one thing or another because I just assume it’ll be as “usual” – and these least-expected things frazzle the most when they pop up.
So, for my own sake I am writing down a list of things to check everytime, no matter how trivial they seem:
To do with the talk:
- What sort of tone is expected of the talk?
- What are the other components of the gathering?
- How long is too long?
- Will there be bible reading and bible passage printed/displayed? (I got caught out on this one recently …)
To do with the physicality of the gathering:
- Double check time and location. (A pastor told me that he got lost on the way to a church once , and consequently missed the whole service …)
- Roughly how many people are expected?
- What is the size of the space?
- Is standing up to preach the expected format?
To do with the equipment:
- What is the expected dress code?
- Is there parking issues to be aware of?
- Will there be a lectern big enough to rest my bible and notes?
- Will an overhead projector be available?
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