“The Bible is much more interesting than I thought!”
Part of preparing young leaders and nurturing flourishing congregations is engaging with Scripture in a way that brings the good news of Jesus to life.
This can happen lots of ways but here’s what happened at Lambrick Park Church in Victoria, BC this past summer.
The summer was a deep dive into the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).
Especially for the summer preaching team.
It was a mix of people – age, backgrounds, careers, experience – but all people who don’t usually preach.
They met regularly to share resources, commentaries, and notes.
They gave each other feedback from their sermons.
They talked about the exegesis process and pondered over important phrases and words.
Together they read A Long Obedience in the Same Direction – Eugene Peterson’s encouragement for us to pray the Psalms again.
They prayed for each other.
You can imagine how meaningful this would be for anyone – but particularly for a high school graduate who was preaching for the first time.
Meet Kate.
She grew up in youth group and her youth pastor tapped her on the shoulder, suggesting that she be part of the summer preaching team.
She said yes – which felt like obedience, not satisfying an overwhelming desire for a public speaking opportunity.
She met God in a new way.
And God met her.
God brought to mind stories and illustrations, took away her nerves, and gave her a fresh interest in Scripture.
She said the sermon preparation felt like reading the Bible for all it’s worth – alongside a community of faith.