Preaching Articles

"If you can't feel the text, I don't know if you've been called to preach."

Matt Chandler, lead pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in Dallas-Fort Worth, encourages young preachers to engage God in every moment, to make preaching something they "are" rather than do.

Matt Chandler serves as lead pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, TX. He describes his 7 year tenure at The Village as a re-planting effort where he was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation. The church has witnessed a tremendous response growing from 160 people to over 5000 including two satellite campuses (Denton and Northway). Alongside his current role as lead pastor, Matt is involved in church planting efforts both locally and internationally through The Village and various strategic partnerships.

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David Buffaloe

commented on Nov 19, 2012

Great video, creepy intro music. Producers, do better - stop the creepiness.

Qawii Abdelmasih

commented on Nov 19, 2012

Have you ever considered that the "gospel/good news" Jesus preached and sent us to preach was not just the cross and sins forgiven/heaven but that of the kingdom- the life , the power, the conquering church and His presence with us. WOW! Easy to preach this.

Andrew Shields

commented on Nov 19, 2012

I am a young preacher/teacher/pastor/minister. I don't agree completely agree with this video article/conversation. I am called to more than preach, the rest of my day is also ministry. Spiritual leadership can come in many ways. Is he dismissing the staff pastors who don't get to preach. And while I maybe taking his point to literallly "if you can't feel the text, i don't know if you have been called to preach" that doesn't seem quite right. It is monday and i often don't feel the text yet, for my pastor friends who use a lectionary I imagine this is even more of a challenge. I believe you have to sit with the text for a while. But if you can't feel the text after a while "preach the text you do feel" and don't question your call to the ministry on a monday morning. Have faith in your calling. Even if it does not lead you to pastor thousands and even if you wwonder at times your preaching is falling on deaf ears.

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