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Discussion Questions:
- Mark Glanville draws parallels between jazz improvisation and preaching. How might the metaphor of “improvising on a tradition” shape the way we approach preaching in today’s context?
- The episode distinguishes between preaching in a “Christian culture” versus a “post-Christian culture.” In your experience, how have the symbols and values in your context shifted, and how have you seen this impact the way sermons are received?
- Mark emphasizes the importance of dialogical or conversational preaching. What practices can preachers adopt to ensure their messages are responsive to their congregation’s lived experiences and questions?
- Both Markus and Mark talk about the significance of developing “relational intelligence” through pastoral conversations. How can deeper pastoral relationships inform and transform your approach to sermon preparation and delivery?
- Mark speaks about the need for “reversing the flow” in preaching—moving from declaring truth at people to revealing the beauty of Jesus and inviting discovery. How comfortable are you (or your church) with this style, and what challenges might it present?
- The discussion around the “defended self” versus the “deeper self” in preaching gets at emotional honesty and vulnerability. How does your emotional state—or awareness of it—impact your preaching or spiritual leadership?
- Mark asserts that Scripture primarily addresses communities (“we”) rather than individuals. What would change about your preaching if you adopted a more communal lens rather than an individualistic one?
- The need to model, preach for, and pray for change in congregations was highlighted. Which of these three (model, preach, pray) do you find comes most naturally to you, and which one do you find most challenging?
- Mark challenges preachers to avoid preaching from a place of fear—especially in the midst of culture wars. How can leaders discern when they are preaching out of defensiveness and shift into preaching out of love and trust in the Spirit?
- The encouragement to “preach to stir the imagination” invites innovation and creativity in how we invite people into God’s story. What are some creative approaches or practices you’ve seen that help communities dream together about what God might be calling them to?
