The world of the Bible, the world of contemporary culture, and the world of the local congregation. Three worlds in which the effective preacher must be able to move freely and knowledgeably. Then there is a fourth world in Robinson’s list. This is the inner world of the preacher. This one is easily neglected. Yet it is critical because it can color everything else.

As a preacher, I am studying the Bible, determining author’s idea, wrestling with sermonic purpose, considering effective ways to communicate, etc. Yet I do not stand aloof from the process of building the bridge as some kind of outside contractor. I am part of the culture. I am usually part of the congregation. I have my own presuppositions, history, family issues, temperament, baggage and emotional perspectives. The more we can prayerfully understand ourselves, hopefully the better we can avoid our own baggage becoming dead weight in our sermons. Homiletical harangues, sermonic scoldings and religious rants are often born out of personal issues. These tirades spell trouble for our listeners, so consider the fourth world. It is not healthy to navel gaze, but it is also wrong to be oblivious to our own inner realities. Allow the Holy Spirit, personal times of evaluation, helpful books from Biblical counselors and interaction with close friends help you know yourself. You’re building a bridge, know how your subconscious life may pre-determine the direction and manner of your construction.