Advice to preachers

We don't come to church to hear funny stories.

We don't want to be entertained.

We don't need to know the cultural context.

We're not interested in what the Bible scholars say.

Hebe and Greek us when it deepens real meaning,

but don't do it just for self-display.

We know you've been to seminary,

but we don't care who says this or that.

We want to hear the Living Word you're supposed to carry.

We want to hear it simple and direct.

We want to know what Jesus can do with us,
       if we'd just let Him.

We don't want you to ‘should’ us, or put us in your debt.

Just speak the Word of Truth that feeds the children,

that we all are before the Father's throne.

We want to grow up in the Master's image.

Just plant the seed the way He wants it sown.

Don't hurry if the Spirit wants to tarry,

don't drag it out if short and sweet's the Word.

Open your mouth to preach what you do practice.

We can see through rhetoric more clearly than you think.

Why waste our time, and God's? Stay on the level,

since every hill and mountain He'll lay low,

when He comes back again to pay His servants.

You don't want to join the goats when left they go.

Version française par Claude Lopez-Ginisty