Preaching God’s Word in the World
Ruling Elder Joe Martinoni (Rockaway) preaches to his Preaching God’s Word in the World classmates at the Community Presbyterian Church of Chester
Preaching God’s Word in the World was a first- (but not last) time opportunity for interested ruling elders to learn the basics of preaching, opening the door for them to serve as supply preachers in the future.
This partnership of five presbyteries (Coastlands, Highlands, Long Island, Northeast New Jersey, and Southern New Jersey) had 31 elders register, eleven from Highlands Presbytery, with many more expressions of interest for future sessions.
We live in a time in the church’s life when there are many empty pulpits, and not as many ministers of Word and Sacrament available to fill provide pulpit supply. These presbyteries believe that those so called can help to meet that need. Unlike presiding at the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, anyone can preach from the pulpit, but training and experience is certainly a benefit. Highlands Presbytery has a list of people on its Pulpit Supply List, a number of whom are not ministers of Word and Sacrament.
Said one participant:
I want to thank the Presbytery of the Highlands for offering Preaching God’s Word in the World to interested elders. It’s reassuring to local churches to know that there is a proactive effort to encourage and empower elders to preach within their own church or serve as Pulpit Supply. Although the course was compacted within a limited timeframe, it was a great introduction to the art of sermonizing!
While some came into Preaching God’s Word in the World anticipating they would do pulpit supply, others considered this a way to explore the possibility that they may someday be led into this important ministry. Another participant wrote:
I am still discerning whether to have my name placed on the pulpit supply list. That in no way reduces experience value of completing the course. At the very least, it gives me a substantially greater appreciation of the care, crafting skill and diligence present in those who do stand in our pulpits every Sunday.
The primary teacher for the six-week course was the Rev. Chris Houtz of The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey. Preaching God’s Word in the World was composed of several parts, beginning with short assigned readings from A Sermon Workbook by Tisdale and Troeger. These readings also provided the week’s homework.
Rev. Houtz then prepared a short video based on the content of the week’s reading, for viewing in advance. The whole class then met via Zoom, with Rev. Houtz and presbytery leaders answering questions and sharing their insight and experience.
After the classroom instruction, participants had several options. Some felt that while they had learned a great deal, the class was enough for them; they might consider pulpit supply in the future. The majority of students elected to preach in front of other classmates, where they would benefit from feedback and fellowship. Others, unable to attend the in-person “Preaching Day,” preached to presbytery leaders and friends either on Zoom or in a hybrid format.
The written assignments were challenging, but worthwhile. The willingness of the participants to share their preaching experiences also proved to be of benefit. The dual goal of the course was to write and preach a sermon. This proved challenging but less daunting given that the preaching would take place in a supportive environment. This proved to be a unique and invaluable opportunity for all who participated.
Thank you to Rev. Chris Scrivens and the Community Presbyterian Church of Chester for hosting, and for Rev. Scrivens’ contributions to “Preaching Day.”
Several participants have already put their newfound experience to work, preaching in their home churches or serving another congregation in need of pulpit supply. Others are looking into being added to the Presbytery’s Pulpit Supply List.
The next session of Preaching God’s Word in the World will be held in Fall 2025. Watch the Highlands Presbytery newsletter for information and registration, or contact Steve Shussett with your interest.
Ruling Elder Roxanne Tavakkol (Boonton) preaches before Pastor Carie Morgan and friends at her church, and on Zoom to Steve Shussett, Highlands Presbytery Resource Staff.
