As a preacher it is important to know who you are preaching to.  This takes work.  Often the focus of this work is on building relationships and getting into their world.  Conversations are priceless, counseling matters much, visiting homes and workplaces is all helpful, reading what they read, and entering into their world.  However, sometimes it is helpful to create an opportunity for them to enter your world.  Specifically I am referring to pre-sermon interaction with some of your congregation.  This could take the form of a sermon group that you meet with regularly.  I know some preachers who do this and value it highly.  Even without taking that step, it is possible to benefit from a one-off meeting.

Last year I preached a single message on the subject of euthanasia.  I invited a group of about ten people to come together to discuss the subject in the week before I preached it.  That meeting was very enlightening and critical in my preparation.  The discussion was not primarily concerned with my learning about the subject, but my learning about how people think of the subject.  I wanted their input on how the message could be handled effectively.

I had my pre-conceived commitment to sensitivity reinforced by the real-life experiences of those in the group.  My sensitive approach would now be more personal.  However, I had my pre-conceived ideas of Christian convictions shattered by the discussion.  After that evening I had to rework significant elements of the message.  The over-riding sense from some of the group was a view typical in this culture, that it is not possible to be caring for people and strong on the issue at the same time.  Therefore, in order to be sensitive, I should not take a strong stance on the issue.  That misconception became the foundation of my message – that God’s Word calls us to care for people and at the same time to stand against injustice, precisely because God is a God of immense compassion and uncompromising moral clarity.  My hour with those friends became a critical force driving my message not only toward sensitivity, but also to a more theological level. 

It is easy to assume that Christians think a certain way.  They probably don’t.  Getting some together to talk about the subject is a simple way to find that out!