Keith B

commented on Jun 29, 2012

Good article.

Michael Morton

commented on Jun 29, 2012

What k b said

Zachary Bartels

commented on Jun 29, 2012

Yeah, good stuff, although I admit I had a hard time getting past the first five words... What preacher has the time/money/lack of preaching ability to hire a "sermon consultant?" I'm hoping it's more of a one-time analysis to help people improve their preaching, rather than what it sounds like (a guy who consults with you while you prepare your sermon every week). :)

Charles M. King

commented on Jun 29, 2012

I never heard of a sermon consultant. In all my years of speaking and preaching from the word of God, He has always armed me in advance with a powerful, positive message. The scriptures are about good news and as long as we preach from there we should end up with good news. We must be careful not to let our personal woes poison our message. I find that most people know where their activity is taking them. my messages offer a positive, "good news" alternative leaving them to make a choice.

Elver Mendenhall

commented on Jun 29, 2012

This is the struggle that we often find ourselves in. We are often so full of passion for what we are preaching, so full of passion to see our people walk in all that God has for them, so full of passion to see them walk in victory, that we can cross the line where our passion turns into judgement and our attempts at encouragement ends up being discouraging. Thanks Sherman for stirring us.

Mike Brenneman

commented on Aug 13, 2020

Elver, you expressed our situation well.

Robert Lum

commented on Jun 29, 2012

Great reminder to pastors. I particularly like the last part that says, "if God is not in your sermon, then it is not a sermon, it is a 'suggestion.'" We find that even in passages of judgement, God's purpose is to get the people to return to Him and be delivered. Thanks!

Ephrem Hagos

commented on Jun 29, 2012

Lack of good news in a sermon means boredom with the gospel, in turn, a sure sign that the preacher has no knowledge of Jesus Christ who is the Good News!

Ian Field

commented on Jun 30, 2012

I echo the sentiments of Zachary Bartels and Charles M. King. The Holy Spirit is my only "sermon consultant." Sherman, please explain your "ministry".

Mike Brenneman

commented on Aug 13, 2020

Likewise I have never heard of a professional sermon consultant. Nonetheless brothers, I respectfully disagree with your premise that "Holy Spirit should be our only sermon consultant." I am open to correction, and am writing this with a kind attitude, just wanting the truth. Here's what I see in the words the Holy Spirit inspired. Paul, was an inspired Apostle, and apparently didn't have any counselors, except the Holy Spirit. But what about Timothy & Titus? They had the Holy Spirit, but they were trained by Paul as were many others. The Holy Spirit inspired the following verses and promotes the idea of many counselors: Prov 11:14, Prov 12:17, Prov 15:22. Were all of you self taught? Did you learn on the job without any instruction? Did any of you go to Bible college? I did not have formal schooling. I continue to seek out and get counseling from preachers better and wiser than myself. I think this is pleasing to God. Again I am open to the truth of God's word if I misunderstand the scriptures. One last thought. I sat attentively in a pew listening to many sermons. Many of the speakers had a great need for counseling and coaching. I love the Holy Spirit and desire His guidance, which includes godly advice from others.

John E Miller

commented on Jun 30, 2012

Sherman Cox referred in passing to his "sermon consulting work". We should not rush to condemn that. It may be that the Lord has laid this task upon him to help for example young preachers who seek his help. His point about looking for God's activity is very powerful and apposite. We are so taken up with what we have done. Concentrate on what God has done, is doing and will do in Christ. That is the very best news we can bring. If you read Peter's sermon in Acts 2 you find that he concentrates entirely on what God has done, culminating in that majestic statement in verse 36. Good news indeed!

Sherman Haywood Cox Ii

commented on Jun 30, 2012

Pardon me...I usually allow the good discussion to go on without intrusion, but it seems that may are caught up with the term "sermon consultant." I would ask those of you who seem to have issue with this, have you ever had someone ask you to evaluate a sermon? Have they asked you what can they do to improve it? All who have been to seminary have had such evaluations. My work is largely to those who have not had that opportunity to go to seminary and want someone to evaluate their work. If you don't like the term "sermon consultant" how about "sermon creation teaching work?"

Godwin Okoye

commented on Jun 30, 2012

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is love. Within that love is grace. When we are ruled by the Holy Spirit, our words and responses to situations reveal an underlying grace. I am a little concerned with the criticisms of the ministry of "sermon consulting", because I dont see or feel much grace/love in those criticisms. In the article itself, the brother states that people do consult with him on/about sermons. Personally I have watched a couple of his videos and read one or two of his articles. I have not seen where his work hurts the gospel of Christ. Instead, I have seen positive contributions aimed at making sermons to connect better with people. The wisdoms in his teachings seem Godly and biblical to me. Let's encourage the brother in these endeavors:-)

Prescott Jay Erwin

commented on Jun 30, 2012

Great job, Bro. Sherman!

Mh Constantine

commented on Jul 1, 2012

It seems that the difference in a message without something to celebrate, and a message with something to celebrate, boils down to how much grace we have in our hearts and hence in the message. Long sentence, I know. Thanks, Sherman, for your great comments.

Shirley James

commented on Aug 13, 2020

Great discussion. However, for me I find myself praying and seeking his will for each service. A word of wisdom comes, then I pray for the Lords direction. It may take awhile but the Holy Spirit will begin to illuminate in my spirit what it should be. When I pray, preach or teach what the Holy Spirit gives, there He is in the midst and wonderful things happen. I know then, I am on the right track. That is the celebration when the Holy Spirit is in charge. Thanks for allowing me to share. Blessings

George Warner

commented on Aug 14, 2020

I also echo the sentiments of Z. Bartels and C.M. King. I think it also matters to warn that much of what seems to be good news is in fact SMOOTH THINGS under the guise of good news. Also the word sermon and its definition are not NEW. My English Dictionary defines a sermon as A TALK ON A RELIGIOUS OR MORAL SUBJECT, ESPECIALLY ONE GIVEN DURING A CHURCH SERVICE AND BASED ON A PASSAGE FROM THE BIBLE.