Continuing our list of suggestions for breaking out of preacher’s block.  Yesterday we thought about Pray, Break and Talk.  Here are some more ideas:

4. Read.  Sometimes it is time for a fresh perspective.  Maybe another commentary on a key section.  Perhaps check some biblical studies books to see if the text appears in the scripture index.  Maybe try a lighter commentary for how they handle this section.  But beware, sometimes the last thing you need is more information in.  This is an option, but it may be the wrong option.  If your block is from a massive input of data and no clarity on how to let the right stuff out, then maybe steer clear of the books at this stage.

5. Write.  Sometimes I get stuck on an outline, or a certain part of a message.  Switching to writing may be helpful.  Perhaps you are struggling with the big picture of the message and need to switch to working out wording.  This may free you up to keep making progress on the message rather than staying stuck on an aspect of the message.

6. Preach.  We are a bit obsessed with “writing” our messages.  Whether it is outlines or manuscripts, we can easily lose sight of the orality of preaching.  The goal is not to write a sermon, but to preach one.  So sometimes the best thing to do is to step away from the keyboard or pen and start talking out loud.  If you were up now, what would you say?  Things that seem so clear on paper sometimes can’t come out of your mouth.  Paper is only one step better than in your head (who hasn’t had clarity in their minds that simply won’t get onto the page?  Well, spoken communication is a step beyond that.  You can feel clear on paper, but still not be able to express what you intend.  Once you hear yourself getting stuck, you know you have issues on paper.  And once you are trying to say it, sometimes you can find a quick detour that makes for an effective message! (Then go write it down.)

We’ll finish the list tomorrow.